Cough Reflex Test (CRT) Practice

Question: 1 / 400

If a respiratory therapist decreases the inspiratory flow during volume-controlled ventilation, what will decrease if the patient's total rate remains unchanged?

Tidal volume

End-expiratory pressure

Mean airway pressure

Expiratory time

When the inspiratory flow is decreased during volume-controlled ventilation while maintaining a constant total respiratory rate, the duration of inspiratory time increases. Since the total cycle time (the duration of both inspiration and expiration) remains constant, a longer inspiratory time results in a shorter expiratory time.

This is because the total cycle time is divided between the inspiratory and expiratory phases. If the inspiratory time is extended due to a lower flow rate, the time available for expiration must decrease in order to maintain the same overall rate of breathing. Thus, the adjustment in inspiratory flow directly affects the expiratory time, leading to a reduction in how long the patient has to exhale between breaths.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta
Next Question

Report this question

Download Cough Reflex Test (CRT) Practice PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy