Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What type of ventilation has active inspiration and expiration through a specific mechanism?

1. Volume Control Ventilation

2. High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV)

3. High-Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV)

4. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

The correct answer is: High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV)

High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV) is characterized by its unique mechanism of ventilation that involves active inspiration and expiration. Unlike traditional ventilation strategies that often rely on specific tidal volumes and longer time frames for inhalation and exhalation, HFOV uses rapid oscillations—typically in the range of 3 to 15 Hz—to maintain a constant mean airway pressure while delivering small tidal volumes. This method allows for efficient gas exchange due to the high respiratory rates and the continuous pressure maintained in the airway, which prevents alveolar collapse and improves oxygenation. The small airway pressures help reduce the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury, especially in neonates with conditions such as Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. In contrast, other ventilation methods might not emphasize active expiration or may have a less dynamic approach to ventilation. For instance, Volume Control Ventilation relies on the delivery of preset volumes per breath without the rapid oscillations characteristic of HFOV. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) provides constant pressure but does not actively cycle the respirations, and High-Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV) employs a jet of air but often lacks the same active expiration mechanism found in HFOV. Thus, the nature of HFOV