If the flow rate is too low, what may occur?

When the flow rate during mechanical ventilation is too low, one significant consequence is dyspnea and an increased work of breathing (WOB) for the patient. This occurs because a low flow rate can lead to inadequate ventilation, meaning that the patient may not receive sufficient air to meet their metabolic needs.

When air flow is restricted, the time spent during inhalation is prolonged, which can cause the patient to feel breathless or experience difficulty catching their breath, a sensation known as dyspnea. Additionally, the muscles involved in respiration must work harder to achieve adequate ventilation, leading to an increased work of breathing. This can be particularly taxing for patients who may already be compromised in their respiratory function.

In contrast, while decreased lung volume could potentially occur due to inadequate ventilation over time, the immediate and direct result of a low flow rate is typically the discomfort and increased respiratory effort. Similarly, improved patient compliance is unlikely, as patients would generally find it more difficult to breathe under these conditions, and increased peak pressures may not directly result from just a low flow rate, depending on the underlying compliance of the lung and airway resistance.