When airway pressure is integrated over tidal volume during a mechanically controlled breath, work done by which of the following components is provided?

Question

A. work done on the respiratory system by the ventilator
B. work done on the respiratory system by the inspiratory muscles
C. work done on the lungs by the inspiratory muscles
D. work done on the chest wall by the inspiratory muscles

Answer 1

?ANS: A
A. Correct response: During a ventilator controlled breath, integrating airway pressure over tidal volume describes the work done on the respiratory system by the ventilator.
B. Incorrect response: During spontaneous breathing, integrating airway pressure over tidal volume describes the work done on the respiratory system by the inspiratory muscles.
C. Incorrect response: During spontaneous breathing, integrating esophageal pressure over tidal volume describes the work done on the lungs by the inspiratory muscles.
D. Incorrect response: During a ventilator controlled breath, integrating the esophageal pressure over tidal volume describes the work done on the chest wall by the ventilator.