NIV has just been initiated on a patient in respiratory distress with an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) of 12 cm H2O and an end-expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) of 5 cm H2O

Which of the following would indicate clinical improvement of the patient's condition?
1. Decreased respiratory rate
2. Synchronization with the ventilator
3. Decreased inspiratory muscle activity
4. Decreased arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2)
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 1, 2, and 3 only
c. 2, 3, and 4 only
d. 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANS: B
Improvement in patient comfort is indicated by a decreased respiratory rate, decreased inspirato-ry muscle activity, and synchronization with the ventilator.