Modes of Ventilation Practice Test 2026 - Free Ventilation Practice Questions and Study Guide

Mandatory minute ventilation (MMV) is a feature used in mechanical ventilation that ensures a minimum volume of ventilation is delivered to the patient. This mode is particularly useful for patients who may have variable respiratory drive or those in respiratory distress.

By setting a target minute ventilation, MMV guarantees that the patient receives an adequate gas exchange even if they fail to initiate enough spontaneous breaths themselves. If the patient's own breaths do not meet the predefined threshold, the ventilator automatically delivers additional breaths to meet that minimum requirement. This mechanism helps prevent hypoventilation and ensures that the patient receives sufficient oxygen and removes carbon dioxide effectively, thus promoting better overall respiratory function.

In this context, other options do not align with the primary function of MMV. For instance, MMV does not limit the patient to only spontaneous breaths; it allows for both spontaneous and mandatory breaths as needed to meet the minimum volume requirement. Additionally, it provides ventilatory support by ensuring minimum ventilation is achieved, contradicting the notion that no support is provided. Lastly, while the mode does involve the ventilator delivering breaths, it does not state that all breaths must be delivered in a mandatory manner, as patient-initiated breaths can also occur.