Which of the following are advantages of Assist Control Volume ventilation? 1. Minimal safe level of ventilation achieved. 2. Patient can set breathing rate. 3. May reduce work of breathing. 4. Pressure is limited

a. 1 and 3 only
b. 1, 2, and 3 only
c. 3 and 4 only
d. 2, 3, and 4 only

ANS: B
Advantages of assist-control volume ventilation include the assurance that a minimum safe level of ventilation is achieved, yet the patient can still set his or her own breathing rate. In the event of sedation or apnea, a minimum safe level of ventilation is guaranteed by the selection of an ap-propriate backup rate, usually approximately 4 to 6 breaths/min less than the patient's assist rate but not less than the rate necessary to provide a minimum safe level of ventilation (e.g., a backup rate of at least 12 to 14 breaths/min). Because assist-control ventilation usually provides full ven-tilatory support, it may result in less WOB. In volume control ventilation, pressure is variable and not limited.