In PRVC, if the exhaled volume is higher than the target, what happens to inspiratory pressure on the next breath?

• A. Increases
• B. Decreases
• C. Stays the same
• D. Reverses

Answer: (B)

In PRVC, the ventilator uses a feedback loop to hit a set tidal volume by adjusting inspiratory pressure on each breath. If the exhaled volume from the last breath is higher than the target, the device lowers the inspiratory pressure for the next breath to reduce the delivered volume and prevent overdistension. Conversely, if the prior exhaled volume were too low, it would raise the pressure to increase the volume. So when the exhaled volume exceeds the target, the inspiratory pressure decreases.