RT-06 · Analysis & Monitoring

Mechanical Ventilation: Monitoring, Graphics & Waveforms

Reading scalars and loops to localize a problem — resistance versus compliance, auto-PEEP, asynchrony, and leaks — before touching a setting.

~25 min read3 concept sections·4 questions with rationale

What you'll be able to do

  • Interpret pressure, flow, and volume scalar waveforms
  • Use peak and plateau pressure to separate resistance from compliance
  • Recognize auto-PEEP, leaks, and overdistension on loops
  • Identify trigger, flow, and cycle asynchrony
Concept breakdown
01

Peak, plateau, and the two mechanics

Almost every graphics question resolves into one question: is this resistance or compliance?

  • Plateau pressure is measured with an inspiratory hold and reflects alveolar pressure; keep it under 30 cm H2O.
  • Peak minus plateau is the resistive component. A widening gap means secretions, bronchospasm, a kinked tube, or biting.
  • A rising plateau means compliance is falling: pneumothorax, atelectasis, pulmonary edema, ARDS, abdominal distension, or a mainstem tube.
  • Static compliance = tidal volume ÷ (plateau − PEEP); normal 50–100 mL/cm H2O in a ventilated adult.
  • Driving pressure = plateau − PEEP; keep it ≤15 cm H2O in ARDS.
At the bedside

No inspiratory hold, no diagnosis. The plateau turns an alarm into a location.

Practice quiz

Check yourself before you read the rationale.

Question 1 of 1

A ventilated asthmatic shows expiratory flow that has not returned to baseline when the next breath begins. Blood pressure is falling. The best initial change is:

Practice questions

Answer first, then read why the distractors fail.

Question 1

A ventilated asthmatic shows expiratory flow that has not returned to baseline when the next breath begins. Blood pressure is falling. The best initial change is:

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2 more concept sections, 3 more questions, and the exam-day playbook for this module.

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