2.2a Volume Control Activity

Utilize the Data Recording Sheet that your laboratory instructor provides.

1. Setup:

• Connect the ventilator to the test lung or lung simulator using the ventilator circuit.
• Ensure all connections are secure and there are no leaks.
• Turn on the ventilator and set it to Volume Control (VC) mode.

2. Initial Settings:

• Set the tidal volume (VT) to 500 mL.
• Set the respiratory rate (RR) to 12 breaths per minute.
• Set the PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) to 5 cmH2O.
• Set the FiO2 (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen) to 21%.
• Set the I:E ratio to 1:2.

3. Baseline Measurements:

• Record the baseline peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), plateau pressure (Pplat), and compliance.
• Calculate the initial I-time.

4. Compliance Changes:

• Simulate a decrease in lung compliance by adjusting the settings on the test lung.
• Observe and record the changes in PIP, Pplat, and compliance.
• Calculate the new I-time.
• Repeat the above steps by increasing lung compliance and record the results.

5. Resistance Changes:

• Simulate an increase in airway resistance by adjusting the test lung or adding an obstruction in the ventilator circuit.
• Observe and record the changes in PIP and Pplat.
• Calculate the new I-time.
• Repeat the above steps by decreasing airway resistance and record the results.

6. I-time Calculations:

• Adjust the respiratory rate to 20 breaths per minute and keep the I:E ratio constant at 1:2. Calculate the new I-time.
• Adjust the I:E ratio to 1:1 while keeping the respiratory rate at 12 breaths per minute. Calculate the I-time.
• Observe the changes in PIP and Pplat with these different I-time settings.

Analysis and Discussion:

• Discuss how compliance and resistance impact ventilator settings and patient care.
• Explain the importance of calculating and adjusting I-time in different clinical scenarios.
• Reflect on the observed changes and how they would guide ventilator management in real patients.

2.2b Pressure Control Activity

Utilize the Data Recording Sheet that your laboratory instructor provides.

1. Setup:

• Connect the ventilator to the test lung or lung simulator using the ventilator circuit.
• Ensure all connections are secure and there are no leaks.
• Turn on the ventilator and set it to Pressure Control (PC) mode.

2. Initial Settings:

• Set the PIP to 15 cmH2O.
• Set the respiratory rate (RR) to 12 breaths per minute.
• Set the PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) to 0 cmH2O.
• Set the FiO2 (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen) to 21%.
• Set the I-Time to 1.0 sec.

3. Baseline Measurements:

• Record the baseline tidal volume, plateau pressure (Pplat), and compliance.
• Calculate the initial I:E ratio.

4. Compliance Changes:

• Simulate a decrease in lung compliance by adjusting the settings on the test lung.
• Observe and record the changes in PIP, Pplat, and compliance.
• Calculate the new I:E ratio.
• Repeat the above steps by increasing lung compliance and record the results.

5. Resistance Changes:

• Simulate an increase in airway resistance by adjusting the test lung or adding an obstruction in the ventilator circuit.
• Observe and record the changes in PIP and Pplat.
• Calculate the new I:E ratio.
• Repeat the above steps by decreasing airway resistance and record the results.

6. I-time Calculations:

• Adjust the respiratory rate to 20 breaths per minute and keep the I:E ratio constant at 1:2. Calculate the new I-time.
• Adjust the I:E ratio to 1:1 while keeping the respiratory rate at 12 breaths per minute. Calculate the I-time.
• Observe the changes in tidal volume and Pplat with these different I-time settings.