Which of the following are good candidates for home mechanical ventilation?

1. A patient who cannot maintain adequate ventilation at night
2. A patient who requires continuous ventilation to survive
3. A terminally ill patient who requires ventilatory support
a. 2 and 3 only
b. 1 and 2 only
c. 1, 2, and 3
d. 1 and 3 only

ANS: C
Good candidates for home mechanical ventilation include (1) patients unable to maintain ade-quate ventilation over prolonged periods (noninvasive nocturnal or intermittent use in particular), (2) patients requiring continuous mechanical ventilation for long-term survival, and (3) patients who are terminally ill with short life expectancies. Table 56-5 provides more detailed profiles of these patient groups.