Mechanical Ventilation: Pressure-Regulated

Volume Control Ventilation (Respiratory

Therapy)
OVERVIEW
Pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC) ventilation is a mode of mechanical ventilation
that combines volume and pressure control ventilation. It is considered a dual mode of
ventilation that uses a decelerating waveform. PRVC is an appropriate mode of ventilation
for patients who require a specific tidal volume (VT) with the lowest effective pressure, such
as those with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In the PRVC mode, the ventilator
delivers a volume-controlled breath. Using the plateau pressure from the previous delivered
breath, the ventilator delivers the next breath. This allows the lowest delivery pressure,
which is the target VT.

PRVC is an adaptive control form of ventilation that allows automatic adjustment of targets
(pressure versus volume) over several breaths to maintain a selected target; in this case,
volume is targeted.1 In this manner, the PRVC mode may help prevent volutrauma and
barotrauma by limiting the delivery pressure to 5 cm H2O below the set upper pressure limit
alarm.1

PRVC adjusts flow rates to meet demand when lung compliance changes; VT is kept
constant, resulting in a more normalized breathing pattern. PRVC may be used in infants
with ARDS because the ventilator responds to changing lung compliance and decreases the
incidence of air leaks that are common in this age group. If lung compliance decreases or
airway resistance increases, the system flow increases. If lung compliance increases or
airway resistance decreases, the system flow decreases. PRVC provides the comfort of
pressure ventilation for patients with reliable minute ventilation.

A mandatory rate is also set for the patient. All breaths are patient triggered or time
triggered. The ventilator compares volume and pressure values from the previous breath
and increases or decreases pressure levels according to tidal or minute ventilation. The
pressure level that is delivered is between the set positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
and the set upper pressure limit. If the measured volume either increases or decreases
above or below the settings, the pressure decreases or increases accordingly in small
increments to a maximum determined by the type of ventilator. The pressure available is
set 5 cm H2O below1 the set upper pressure limit, and if this pressure is reached, the
ventilator’s alarm sounds and the ventilator delivers as much of the set volume as possible.

EDUCATION
• Provide developmentally and culturally appropriate education based on the desire for
knowledge, readiness to learn, and overall neurologic and psychosocial state.
• Address the indications for PRVC, the potential hazards, and the expected outcomes with
the patient and family.
• Encourage questions and answer them as they arise.

ASSESSMENT AND PREPARATION

Assessment
1. Perform hand hygiene before patient contact.
2. Introduce yourself to the patient.
3. Verify the correct patient using two identifiers.

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Mechanical Ventilation: Pressure-Regulated
Volume Control Ventilation (Respiratory
Therapy)
4. Assess the patient for respiratory deterioration as evidenced by arterial blood gas (ABG)
values, vital signs, level of consciousness, work of breathing, and underlying causes
(e.g., apnea, impending respiratory failure).
5. Assess chest radiograph findings.

Preparation
1. Before initiating mechanical ventilation, check the system microprocessor or ventilation
system. Perform a short self-test as appropriate.

a. Verify compliance of the heat-moisture exchanger (HME), humidifier, and filters (if
needed).
b. Document the completed ventilation system test. Include pass or fail, date, and initials
or signature and credentials of the respiratory therapist (RT).

2. Verify the authorized practitioner’s order for the initiation of mechanical ventilation.

PROCEDURE
1. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves.
2. Verify the correct patient using two identifiers.
3. Explain the procedure to the patient and ensure that the patient agrees to treatment.
4. Plug the mechanical ventilator power cord into a red outlet and connect the high-
pressure hose to the appropriate gas source.
5. Turn on the ventilator.
6. Select the appropriate patient designation (i.e., adult, pediatric, infant).
7. Select and enter either PRVC or volume control plus (VC+) (depending on the software).
8. Set the desired minimum rate.
9. Set the desired target VT.
10. Set the desired fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) delivery.
11. Set the desired inspiratory time or inspiratory-to-expiratory (I:E) ratio.
12. Set the desired PEEP level.
13. Set the desired trigger sensitivity (pressure or flow).
14. Set the upper pressure limit.
15. Set the appropriate alarms.
16. Set up the closed suction system.
17. Assess the patient’s breath sounds, VT, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), vital signs (e.g.,
heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), work of
breathing, and comfort.
18. Look for chest expansion and patient-ventilator synchrony.
19. Check for artificial airway stability.
20. Perform a ventilator check.
21. Suction the patient, if necessary.
22. Obtain an ABG sample.
23. Confirm that the manual resuscitator or mask is connected to the gas source and
available in case it is needed.
24. Discard supplies, remove gloves, and perform hand hygiene.
25. Document the procedure in the patient’s record.

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Mechanical Ventilation: Pressure-Regulated
Volume Control Ventilation (Respiratory
Therapy)
MONITORING AND CARE
1. Continuously monitor the patient’s SpO2.
2. Monitor PIP or plateau pressure while performing ventilator checks.
3. Monitor ventilator alarms.
4. Assess the patient’s breath sounds and breath delivery via ventilator graphics.
5. Check for auto-PEEP by assessing the waveforms or by using expiratory hold.
6. Maintain temperature or humidification (if using heated wire circuits, check for beads of
moisture at circuit Y connector).
7. Observe the patient for signs and symptoms of pain. If pain is suspected, report it to the
authorized practitioner.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
• Risk of barotrauma is reduced.
• Ventilator alarms when pressure limit is reached.
• Patient’s ventilation and oxygenation status are improved as evidenced by ABG values,
decreased FIO2, decreased work of breathing, and improved vital signs.

UNEXPECTED OUTCOMES
• Infection
• Hemodynamic compromise
• Complications associated with artificial airways (e.g., leaks, cuff rupture, obstruction of
endotracheal [ET] tube, pressure necrosis)
• Patient-ventilator asynchrony (e.g., auto-PEEP, hyperventilation or hypoventilation,
increased work of breathing, hyperoxygenation or hypo-oxygenation)
• High pressure reached before volume is delivered and set volume not delivered to
patient

DOCUMENTATION
• Set VT
• Set respiratory rate
• Set flow
• Set trigger sensitivity
• Set FIO2
• ET tube or tracheostomy placement
• VT delivered
• Total respiratory rate
• Total minute ventilation
• PIP
• Patient’s heart rate
• Patient’s blood pressure
• Humidification level or HME in use
• Amount, color, and consistency of secretions suctioned
• Availability of bag-mask device
• Recent ABG values
• ET tube position change or retaping
• SpO2
• Breath sounds

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Mechanical Ventilation: Pressure-Regulated
Volume Control Ventilation (Respiratory
Therapy)
• Patient’s general appearance
• Date and time, RT initials or signature and credentials
• Education
• Unexpected outcomes and related interventions

HOME CARE CONSIDERATIONS

• Inform the patient, family, and caregivers of infection control measures, airway care,
and emergency measures if using ventilators in the home setting.
• PRVC ventilation in the home setting should be considered only if the home environment
is safe for the patient and the equipment, the patient is clinically stable (no infections or
cardiopulmonary dysfunction), and competent caregivers or family members are always
available.
• The home health environment should have proper infection control techniques and
procedures in place.
• The caregivers and family members should be familiar with the home health ventilator
and should be instructed in suctioning and tracheostomy care. Caregivers and family
members should be able to troubleshoot the equipment if necessary.
• All caregivers and family members should be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
and should be told the locations and phone numbers of emergency contacts.
• All caregivers and family members should be aware that the settings and alarms should
be adjusted only with the authorized practitioner’s order and by licensed RTs.

REFERENCES
1. Cairo, J.M. (2020). Chapter 5: Selecting the ventilator and the mode. In Pilbeam’s
mechanical ventilation: Physiological and clinical applications (7th ed., pp. 58-79). St. Louis:
Elsevier.

Supplies
• Gloves
• Mechanical ventilator
• HME or humidifier
• Suction tubing
• Suction canister
• Vacuum regulator
• Inline or closed suction system
• Sterile suction kits
• Flow sheets or bedside computer
• Bag-mask device
• ABG kit or supplies for obtaining ABG sample from arterial line

Clinical Review: Christine J. Moore, DHSc, NPS-RRT, CPFT

Published: April 2020

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