Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

The main advantage of using HFJV includes which of the following?

1. Minimal lung injury due to low tidal volumes

2. Ability to decrease overall respiratory rate

3. Improved gas exchange through increased tidal volume

4. Enhanced patient comfort during ventilation

The correct answer is: Minimal lung injury due to low tidal volumes

The primary advantage of using High-Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV) is that it minimizes lung injury due to low tidal volumes. In neonates, especially those with respiratory distress syndrome or other pulmonary complications, using lower tidal volumes helps to prevent volutrauma and barotrauma. This is particularly important because the lung tissue of neonates is delicate and more susceptible to damage from mechanical ventilation. HFJV operates by delivering very small tidal volumes at a high frequency, which allows for adequate ventilation while reducing the risk of over-distension of the alveoli. This technique also aids in maintaining a stable mean airway pressure, which can enhance lung recruitment without causing harm to the underdeveloped lung structures. While decreased overall respiratory rate, improved gas exchange, and enhanced patient comfort might be associated with other modes of ventilation, they are not the primary advantages associated with HFJV. The focus of HFJV is on protection of the lungs while providing effective ventilation, making the utilization of low tidal volumes critical in achieving this safety profile.