Trigger, limit, cycle, and baseline describe which aspect of ventilator operation?

• A. Alarm Settings
• B. Phase Variables
• C. Gas Properties
• D. Ventilator Modes

Answer: (B)

These terms describe how a ventilator controls breaths across their phases. The trigger determines when inspiration begins, the limit sets safety ceilings during inspiration, the cycle decides when inspiration ends and expiration starts, and the baseline provides the reference level the breath returns to between breaths (often the PEEP level). Together, they define the phase-variable control that shapes and times each breath, rather than just the overall mode or the gas being delivered. Options focused on alarm settings or gas properties relate to other aspects, and ventilator modes describe general strategies, not the precise phase-by-phase control these terms specify.