During volume-assured pressure-supported ventilation, if the desired VT is not reached or ex-ceeded at the preset pressure support level, what happens?

a. Flow continues at a constant rate until the desired volume is achieved.
b. The breath terminates when a predeter-mined low flow is achieved.
c. Flow decreases exponentially until the de-sired volume is achieved.
d. Flow increases linearly until the desired volume is achieved.

ANS: A
Although a minimum tidal volume is guaranteed, volume-assured pressure-supported ventilation allows tidal volume to exceed the set level according to patient demand.