The ventilator mode that delivers pressure breaths that are patient or time triggered, volume tar-geted, time cycled, and where the pressure is automatically adjusted to maintain delivery of the targeted volume is which of the following?

a. Volume support ventilation (VSV)
b. Pressure augmentation (Paug)
c. MMV
d. Pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC)

ANS: D
Pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) is a volume targeted, pressure control mode that de-livers breaths that are patient or time triggered, volume targeted, and time cycled. During each breath delivery the ventilator measures the tidal volume delivered and compares it to the targeted tidal volume, set by the operator. If the volume delivered is less than the set tidal volume, the ventilator will increase pressure delivery progressively over several breaths until the targeted tidal volume and the delivered tidal volume are about equal. Pressure augmentation (Paug) is similar, but the method for reaching the targeted volume is different. If the tidal volume is not reached the flow will continue until the ventilator volume cycles. Volume support ventilation (VSV) is also similar to PRVC. However, there is no time trigger in this mode and every breath is flow cy-cled. MMV requires the operator to set minute ventilation that serves as the threshold for venti-latory support. The ventilator increases or decreases the amount of support by increasing the rate of pressure, based on whether the patient is able to maintain the set minute ventilation.