What is the primary mode of mechanical ventilation used in ARDS?

In the context of managing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), the primary mode of mechanical ventilation employed is typically a combination of Volume Control Mode and Pressure Control Mode. Both of these modes are used to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation while minimizing further lung injury, which is crucial in ARDS management.

Volume Control Mode allows for a set tidal volume to be delivered with every breath, which helps ensure consistent ventilation. However, in ARDS patients, adjusting to a pressure control strategy may be beneficial as it helps prevent barotrauma and allows for more flexible management of lung mechanics as they can tailor pressure limits to accommodate the varying compliance in damaged lungs.

Utilizing these modes effectively helps to protect the lung, mitigate overdistension, and maintain adequate gas exchange, all of which are essential considerations in ARDS management. Clouding the clinical picture, the need for controlled ventilation aligns well with the goals of managing a disease that compromises alveolar-capillary function and requires careful regulation of respiratory parameters.

In contrast, a Spontaneous Breathing Trial is typically a method to assess a patient's readiness to wean from mechanical ventilation rather than a primary mode used for support. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) primarily serves to keep alveoli open rather