NCLEX RN Exam Questions Related

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A client in the ICU has been intubated and placed on a ventilator. The physician orders synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). Which statement best describes the work of this mode of ventilation?

  • A. The ventilator delivers a set rate and tidal volume regardless of whether the client is attempting to breathe
  • B. The ventilator coordinates delivered breaths with the client's respiratory efforts
  • C. The ventilator provides a supplemental breath for every third breath of the client
  • D. The ventilator provides breaths during the expiratory phase of the client's respirations
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) is a ventilation mode that coordinates delivered breaths with the client's own respiratory efforts. This mode allows the client to initiate breaths, with the ventilator providing preset breaths at a controlled rate and volume. Option A is incorrect because in SIMV, the ventilator syncs with the client's respiratory efforts. Option C is incorrect as it does not accurately depict the way SIMV works. Option D is also incorrect as SIMV does not specifically provide breaths during the expiratory phase of the client's respirations. Therefore, the correct answer is B, where the ventilator coordinates breath delivery with the client's breathing efforts.