What is a significant disadvantage of SIMV regarding patient work?

What is a significant disadvantage of SIMV regarding patient work?

• A. Increased patient work if sensitivity is not set appropriately
• B. Decreased work of breathing for spontaneous breaths
• C. Reduced effort required from the patient
• D. Increased volume of each breath delivered

Answer: (A)

In Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV), a significant disadvantage is that patient work can increase if the sensitivity of the ventilator is not set appropriately. When the sensitivity setting is too low, the ventilator may not detect the patient's efforts to initiate a breath, leading to either delayed assistance or the patient having to work harder to trigger the ventilator. This results in higher respiratory muscle fatigue and a greater overall work of breathing for the patient. In contrast, if the sensitivity setting is optimal, the system works more harmoniously with the patient's breathing efforts, thereby reducing overall work. Therefore, the importance of setting sensitivity correctly cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts how effectively the patient can interact with the ventilator and maintain their own respiratory effort.

In Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV), a significant disadvantage is that patient work can increase if the sensitivity of the ventilator is not set appropriately. When the sensitivity setting is too low, the ventilator may not detect the patient's efforts to initiate a breath, leading to either delayed assistance or the patient having to work harder to trigger the ventilator. This results in higher respiratory muscle fatigue and a greater overall work of breathing for the patient.

In contrast, if the sensitivity setting is optimal, the system works more harmoniously with the patient's breathing efforts, thereby reducing overall work. Therefore, the importance of setting sensitivity correctly cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts how effectively the patient can interact with the ventilator and maintain their own respiratory effort.