American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What is the recommended tidal volume limit for patients receiving mechanical ventilation?

  1. 8 mL/kg of ideal body weight

  2. 6 mL/kg of ideal body weight

  3. 4 mL/kg of ideal body weight

  4. 10 mL/kg of ideal body weight

The correct answer is: 6 mL/kg of ideal body weight

The recommended tidal volume limit for patients receiving mechanical ventilation is 6 mL/kg of ideal body weight. This guideline is supported by evidence from studies that have shown that lower tidal volumes can reduce the incidence of ventilator-induced lung injury, particularly in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Using this volume helps to minimize overdistension of the alveoli and reduces the risk of barotrauma, which can occur when larger tidal volumes are used. By adhering to this guideline, clinicians aim to optimize lung protective ventilation strategies that can improve outcomes for patients requiring mechanical ventilation. This approach focuses on achieving adequate ventilation while minimizing the risk of lung injury, which is especially important in critically ill patients.