Which question addresses the indication for ventilatory support?

• A. What therapeutic goals can be achieved by using a specific ventilator?
• B. Why does the patient need ventilatory support?
• C. Will ventilatory support be required for a brief period or long term?
• D. How familiar is the staff with the ventilator under consideration?

Answer: (B)

The inquiry about why the patient needs ventilatory support directly targets the rationale for initiating mechanical ventilation. Understanding the underlying reason for a patient's respiratory failure, such as insufficient ventilation, impaired gas exchange, or inability to protect the airway, is crucial in determining the need for ventilatory assistance. This question helps healthcare professionals assess the severity of the patient's condition and the specific clinical circumstances that warrant intervention.

In contrast, the other options focus on various aspects of ventilatory management rather than the necessity for it. Questions about therapeutic goals relate to the outcomes expected from using the ventilator, while inquiries concerning the duration of support address planning but do not establish the need. Similarly, staff familiarity with the ventilator is essential for effective operation, but it does not pertain to the patient's requirement for ventilatory support itself. Thus, the selected question effectively pinpoints the fundamental questions surrounding the need for assistance with breathing.