Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

In Assist Control (AC) mode, what does the patient have the ability to do?

1. Breathe independently below the preset rate

2. Breathe above the preset rate with full tidal volume breaths

3. Only breathe with the ventilator

4. Require constant sedation

The correct answer is: Breathe above the preset rate with full tidal volume breaths

In Assist Control (AC) mode, the patient has the ability to initiate their own breaths above the preset rate, and these spontaneous breaths receive full tidal volume from the ventilator. This mode supports patients who may be capable of spontaneous breathing but require assistance to maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation. AC mode allows for a combination of assisted breaths and patient-initiated breaths, ensuring that whenever the patient breathes over the preset rate, they receive a full ventilatory support, which is critical for those who are either recovering from sedation or have respiratory issues. This capability offers a safety net, promoting patient comfort while ensuring effective ventilation. In contrast, other options suggest limitations on patient breathing or excessive dependency on the ventilator, which is not characteristic of AC mode. The ability to breathe independently below the preset rate is not fully supported, nor is it accurate to say that a patient can only breathe with the ventilator, as they have the autonomy to initiate breaths themselves. Additionally, the reference to requiring constant sedation does not apply, as this would hinder the patient’s ability to take spontaneous breaths, which is a fundamental aspect of the mode.