What is a defining feature of Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV)?

Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) is characterized by the requirement that the patient actively initiates each breath. This mode of ventilation provides support to the patient by delivering a preset amount of pressure once the patient begins to breathe in. It allows for a degree of independence, as it relies on the patient's effort to trigger each breath while reducing the work of breathing by assisting with inspiratory pressure.

This mode is particularly useful in weaning patients off mechanical ventilation, as it supports their respiratory muscles and allows them to gradually regain control of their breathing. In contrast, options indicating that the machine manages all breathing or that settings are fixed misrepresent how PSV operates, while the notion that it is only used in emergencies overlooks its broader application in various clinical settings, including during the weaning process and in stable patients needing assistance.