NURSING Ventilator Settings Review Exam Q & A

• What is the purpose of setting the inspiratory pressure on a ventilator?
• To control the volume of air delivered to the patient
• To control the rate of breaths delivered to the patient
• To control the amount of pressure delivered to the patient during

inhalation

• To control the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient

Answer: C. To control the amount of pressure delivered to the patient

during inhalation

Rationale: Setting the inspiratory pressure on a ventilator allows for

control over the amount of pressure delivered to the patient during inhalation, which can help improve oxygenation and lung compliance.

• What is the purpose of setting the PEEP (positive end-expiratory

pressure) on a ventilator?

• To prevent lung collapse
• To control the rate of breaths delivered to the patient
• To increase the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient
• To control the volume of air delivered to the patient

Answer: A. To prevent lung collapse

Rationale: PEEP is used to prevent alveolar collapse during expiration,

improve oxygenation, and maintain lung compliance. It helps keep the airways open and increases the functional residual capacity of the lungs.

• What do the settings of the FiO2 control on a ventilator?
• The rate of breaths delivered to the patient
• The amount of pressure delivered to the patient during inhalation
• The volume of air delivered to the patient
• The percentage of oxygen delivered to the patient

Answer: D. The percentage of oxygen delivered to the patient

Rationale: FiO2 refers to the fraction of inspired oxygen and controls the

percentage of oxygen delivered to the patient during ventilation. It is used to adjust oxygen levels based on the patient's needs.

• How does adjusting the tidal volume setting on a ventilator affect the

patient?

• It controls the volume of air delivered to the patient
• It controls the rate of breaths delivered to the patient
• It controls the amount of pressure delivered to the patient during

inhalation

• It controls the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient

Answer: A. It controls the volume of air delivered to the patient

Rationale: Tidal volume setting on a ventilator determines the amount of

air delivered to the patient with each breath. Adjusting this setting can impact the patient's ventilation and oxygenation.

• Which setting on a ventilator controls the predetermined number of

breaths delivered per minute to the patient?

• FiO2
• Rate

C. PEEP

• Tidal volume

Answer: B. Rate

Rationale: The rate setting on a ventilator controls the predetermined

number of breaths delivered per minute to the patient. It determines the respiratory rate and the frequency of ventilator-assisted breaths.

6. What does the "I:E ratio" setting represent on a ventilator?

• The level of positive pressure delivered to the patient
• The ratio of oxygen and nitrogen in the inspired air
• The ratio of time spent on inhalation to exhalation
• The percentage of carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient

Answer: C. The ratio of time spent on inhalation to exhalation

Rationale: The I:E ratio setting on a ventilator refers to the ratio of time spent on inhalation to exhalation. It can be adjusted to optimize oxygenation and ventilation for the patient.

• Which of the following settings on a ventilator is used to adjust the

sensitivity of triggering a breath?

• Rate
• Pressure support

• FiO2

D. PEEP

Answer: B. Pressure support

Rationale: Pressure support setting on a ventilator adjusts the sensitivity of

triggering a breath, allowing the patient to breathe more comfortably and reduce the work of breathing.

• What is the purpose of setting the inspiratory time on a ventilator?
• To control the rate of breaths delivered to the patient
• To control the volume of air delivered to the patient
• To control the amount of pressure delivered to the patient during

inhalation

• To set the duration of time for lung inflation during each breath

Answer: D. To set the duration of time for lung inflation during each

breath

Rationale: Inspiratory time setting on a ventilator determines the duration

of time for lung inflation during each breath, influencing oxygenation and ventilation for the patient.

• Which setting on a ventilator controls the amount of pressure applied

during the patient's exhalation phase?

• Rate
• Pressure support

C. PEEP

• Inspiratory pressure

Answer: C. PEEP

Rationale: PEEP setting on a ventilator controls the amount of pressure

applied during the patient's exhalation phase. It helps prevent alveolar collapse and improve oxygenation.

• What does adjusting the flow rate setting on a ventilator impact?
• The volume of air delivered to the patient
• The rate of breaths delivered to the patient
• The duration of time for lung inflation during each breath
• The sensitivity of triggering a breath