In mech ventilation, what triggers the transition from exhalation to inspiration for time-based triggering?

• A. Ventilator
• B. Patient
• C. Time
• D. Lung Pressure

Answer: (C)

Time-based triggering uses an internal clock to start the next breath. After the end of the current breath, the ventilator waits a preset expiratory interval, and when that time elapses, it automatically begins inspiration. This makes the transition from exhalation to inspiration governed by the timer, not by patient effort, airway pressure, or any other signal.