If a patient has a low tidal volume in PSV, what should be done to the pressure target?

Increasing the pressure target in pressure support ventilation (PSV) when a patient has a low tidal volume is an appropriate response to enhance adequate ventilation. The primary function of PSV is to support the patient's spontaneous breaths by providing a preset level of pressure once a breath is initiated.

When the tidal volume is low, it typically indicates insufficient lung inflation, which could be a result of various factors, including patient effort, lung compliance, or airway resistance. By increasing the pressure target, you allow more airflow into the lungs with each breath. This adjustment can facilitate an increase in tidal volume, helping to ensure that the patient's ventilation needs are met.

It is crucial to monitor the patient's response to these changes to ensure that ventilation improves without causing discomfort or respiratory distress. The rationale behind maintaining effective ventilation and oxygenation underscores the importance of adjusting the pressure support level accordingly.