What is the typical range for setting pressure support ventilation?

The typical range for setting pressure support ventilation is indeed between 5 and 25 cm H2O. This range is established to provide adequate respiratory support for patients who can initiate their breaths but require assistance to maintain adequate tidal volumes and reduce the work of breathing.

In this context, pressure support is designed to assist with each breath initiated by the patient, ensuring that the breaths are adequately supported without completely taking over the patient’s own respiratory efforts. A setting of 5 cm H2O allows for minimal support, which can be beneficial for patients who are relatively stable, while 25 cm H2O provides more robust assistance for those requiring significant help.

The other ranges listed do not typically reflect the standard clinical practice. For instance, a range of 0-10 cm H2O may be too low for effective support in most clinical scenarios, while 10-30 cm H2O would exceed the usual upper limit and suggest over-supporting the patient beyond typical guidelines. The range of 15-40 cm H2O is also higher than what is typical, potentially leading to excessive ventilation and risks such as barotrauma or volutrauma. Thus, the 5-25 cm H2O range provides a balanced approach, catering