What is a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)?

A spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) is designed to assess a patient's ability to breathe independently without mechanical assistance. During an SBT, the patient is typically placed on a minimal level of support or is completely off the ventilator for a defined period. This trial helps healthcare providers determine if the patient has regained adequate respiratory muscle strength and the necessary physiological parameters to sustain their own breathing effectively.

Successful completion of an SBT can indicate that a patient is ready for extubation or can be managed safely without mechanical ventilation, marking an important step in the weaning process. The focus of an SBT is on evaluating the patient's readiness to transition to spontaneous breathing, as opposed to the other options, which suggest actions that are not specifically related to assessing independent breathing capability.