Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What is the abbreviation IPPV commonly used for in anesthesia?

1. Invasive positive-pressure ventilation

2. Intermittent positive-pressure ventilation

3. Internal positive-pressure ventilation

4. Induced positive-pressure ventilation

The correct answer is: Intermittent positive-pressure ventilation

The abbreviation IPPV stands for intermittent positive-pressure ventilation. This technique involves the delivery of positive pressure breaths to a patient at predetermined intervals, distinguishing it from continuous ventilation methods. Intermittent positive-pressure ventilation is often utilized in clinical settings to support patients who may not be able to breathe adequately on their own, allowing for both spontaneous breathing and mechanical assistance. In this context, practitioners choose intermittent positive-pressure ventilation to help maintain adequate gas exchange and alveolar recruitment while also permitting the patient to take spontaneous breaths between the mechanically delivered breaths. This approach can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient, making it a versatile option in anesthesia and critical care settings.