A 55-year-old patient is intubated and mechanically ventilated for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which ventilator strategy is recommended to improve outcomes in ARDS?
A
High tidal volume ventilation (10-12 mL/kg predicted body weight).
B
Permissive hypercapnia with a target arterial pH of 7.40-7.45.
C
Low tidal volume ventilation (4-8 mL/kg predicted body weight) with plateau pressure <30 cm H2O.
D
Minimal PEEP to avoid barotrauma and hemodynamic compromise.
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
Lung-protective ventilation with low tidal volumes (4-8 mL/kg predicted body weight) and maintaining plateau pressures below 30 cm H2O is the cornerstone of ARDS management, significantly reducing mortality.
💡 Why is C) the correct answer?
The correct answer to the question "A 55-year-old patient is intubated and mechanically ventilated for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which ventilator strategy is recommended to improve outcomes in ARDS?" is Option C: Low tidal volume ventilation (4-8 mL/kg predicted body weight) with plateau pressure <30 cm H2O..
The other options — A) High tidal volume ventilation (10-12 mL/kg predicted body weight)., B) Permissive hypercapnia with a target arterial pH of 7.40-7.45., D) Minimal PEEP to avoid barotrauma and hemodynamic compromise. — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Lung-protective ventilation with low tidal volumes (4-8 mL/kg predicted body weight) and maintaining plateau pressures below 30 cm H2O is the cornerstone of ARDS management, significantly reducing mo…
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