Which mode of ventilation primarily focuses on assisting patient-triggered breaths?

• A. Volume Control
• B. Pressure Support
• C. Mandatory Ventilation
• D. Assist-Control

Answer: (B)

The mode of ventilation that primarily focuses on assisting patient-triggered breaths is Pressure Support. In this mode, the ventilator provides a preset level of pressure to support the patient's own spontaneous breaths. This assistance is particularly beneficial for patients who can initiate breaths but may not be able to generate enough tidal volume on their own due to respiratory muscle weakness or fatigue.

Pressure Support allows for a more comfortable breathing experience, as it reduces the work of breathing while encouraging natural respiratory patterns. The patient sets the timing and frequency of breaths, and the ventilator then responds by delivering the supportive pressure, facilitating ventilation without the need for a specific volume or mandatory rate. This mode helps maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation while promoting patient autonomy in breath initiation.

In contrast, Volume Control and Mandatory Ventilation provide more rigid parameters that do not adapt to the individual patient's effort in quite the same way, while Assist-Control offers a combination but can lead to a higher risk of hyperventilation if the patient is breathing rapidly.