SIMV

Question 1

What is SIMV?

Answer 1

Synchronised intermittent mechanical ventilation

Question 2

What is the peak value representing?

Answer 2

The amount of air pressure given to open the lungs

Question 3

What does the PEEP value represent?

Answer 3

The amount of air left in the lungs after expiration. In neonates they sometimes lack surfactant and so a little bit of air is needed to keep the lungs open to stop them from collapsing.

Question 4

What is the rate?

Answer 4

How many breaths given per minute

Question 5

What is the inspiratory time?

Answer 5

The set time between each breath given

Question 6

IE ratio

Answer 6

Is the inspiration/expiration ratio.

Question 7

What is the minute volume?

Answer 7

The volume inhaled/exhaled from the lungs per minute

Question 8

What should the tidal volume be? And what does it tell you?

Answer 8

Between 4-6ml/kg.

Represents CO2 clearance from the lungs. If this number is alarming the patient may need suctioning