What does Intermittent Positive Pressure ventilation do when triggered by a patient?

Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV) is a mode of mechanical ventilation that can assist or control a patient's breathing. When a patient triggers the ventilator, it responds by providing positive pressure to support the patient's respiratory efforts.

The correct answer indicates that when triggered by a patient, the ventilator does not stop assisting with breathing; rather, it actively engages to help facilitate the patient's ventilatory needs. This means that, instead of halting assistance altogether, the device ensures that the patient receives the necessary support during their breathing efforts. This is a critical function that helps patients who may not be able to maintain adequate ventilation on their own due to respiratory distress or other medical conditions.

In contrasting this with other options, continuous support is not entirely accurate as it implies there wouldn't be any patient-triggered interactions. Also, the ventilator does adjust based on patient needs, but the phrasing in the chosen answer reflects a misunderstanding of how IPPV functions as it truly does provide assistance when a patient triggers it. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of patient-triggered IPPV is crucial for recognizing its role in respiratory support.