Which ventilation mode is primarily used for sedated, apneic, or paralyzed patients?

Controlled Mandatory Ventilation (CMV) is primarily used for sedated, apneic, or paralyzed patients because it delivers a set number of breaths at a controlled volume or pressure, regardless of the patient’s effort. This mode is crucial for patients who are unable to initiate breaths on their own due to sedation, paralysis, or other conditions affecting respiratory drive. In CMV, the ventilator ensures that the patient receives consistent and adequate ventilation, which is essential for maintaining proper oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal in a critical care setting.

The other modes mentioned do have specific applications, but they are not ideal for this scenario. Assist-Control Ventilation (AC) can be beneficial for patients who can initiate breaths but require assistance. Spontaneous Ventilation allows for patient-initiated breaths but is not suitable for apneic patients. Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) enhances spontaneous breaths but also relies on the patient initiating the breath, making it inappropriate for those who are completely apneic.