Which type of ventilation delivers a set tidal volume regardless of the patient's effort?

Assist-control (A/C) ventilation is designed to deliver a predetermined tidal volume regardless of the patient's effort. This mode of ventilation automatically triggers a breath when the patient initiates a respiratory effort, ensuring that the patient receives the set tidal volume with each breath taken, whether initiated by the patient or the ventilator.

This mode is particularly useful in situations where the patient may not be able to maintain adequate ventilation on their own, allowing for consistent and adequate gas exchange. It ensures that the patient doesn’t hypoventilate or fail to achieve the necessary minute ventilation, especially in cases of respiratory distress or failure. The ability to provide preset tidal volumes helps prevent both hypoxia and hypercapnia, contributing significantly to patient safety and comfort during mechanical ventilation.