Question

In which of the following modes of ventilatory support would the patient's work of breathing be greatest?

a.continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
b.pressure-supported ventilation (PSV)
c.intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV)
d.continuous mandatory ventilation (CMV)

Answer 1

The patient's work of breathing would be greatest in pressure-supported ventilation (PSV). In PSV, the ventilator provides a preset level of pressure support to assist the patient's breathing, but the patient still needs to initiate each breath and work against the pressure support provided by the ventilator.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's work of breathing would be greatest in pressure-supported ventilation (PSV).

In PSV, the ventilator provides a preset level of pressure support to assist the patient's breathing. However, the patient still needs to initiate each breath and work against the pressure support provided by the ventilator. Therefore, the patient's work of breathing is highest in PSV compared to other modes of ventilatory support.