Non-invasive ventilators

According to the British Thoracic Society guidelines on non-invasive ventilation (2002),

essential features of a non-invasive ventilator include the following EXCEPT which one?

a) A disconnection alarm

b) Internal battery with power for at least one hour

c) Sensitive flow triggers

d) Rate capability of at least 40 breaths/min

e) Pressure control

Answer: b

Explanation

According to British Thoracic Society guidelines, the seven essential features of a noninvasive

ventilator are a disconnection alarm, sensitive flow triggers, rate capability of

at least 40 breaths/min, pressure control, a pressure capability of at least 30cmH2O, a

capability of supporting flows of at least 60 L/min, and assist-control and bi-level

pressure support modes. An internal battery was one of a further ten desirable

features.

Reference

British Thoracic Society Standards of Care Committee. Non-invasive ventilation in

acute respiratory failure. Thorax 2002; 57(3): 192–211. Online at www.brit-thoracic.

org.uk/Portals/0/Clinical%20Information/NIV/Guidelines/NIV.pdf (Accessed 30

October 2009)