Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What is the main characteristic of Assist Control ventilation?

1. It allows the infant to breathe spontaneously without assistance

2. All breaths the infant takes are assisted

3. It functions without any preset tidal volume

4. It is solely for infants who cannot initiate breathing

The correct answer is: All breaths the infant takes are assisted

Assist Control ventilation is designed to provide full respiratory support while allowing for some degree of spontaneous breathing. The main characteristic is that all breaths initiated by the infant, whether spontaneous or triggered by the ventilator, receive supplemental assistance. This means that when the infant takes a breath, the ventilator delivers a set tidal volume, ensuring adequate ventilation regardless of the infant's ability to breathe sufficiently on their own. This mode is beneficial in clinical settings because it can prevent hypoventilation and ensure that the infant receives the necessary volume of air, while also supporting any natural respiratory efforts they may make. This constant level of assistance is particularly useful for premature infants or those with respiratory distress, as it helps to stabilize their breathing patterns. Other options, such as the ability for the infant to breathe spontaneously without assistance, are not accurate descriptions of Assist Control ventilation; this mode actively supports every breath taken. Similarly, functioning without any preset tidal volume contradicts the fundamental principles of Assist Control, which relies on a specific tidal volume to ensure adequate ventilation. Lastly, the statement concerning only infants who cannot initiate breathing overlooks the fact that Assist Control ventilation can be used for infants who can initiate breaths but still require assistance. Thus, the emphasis on the assistance provided for each breath