What is an example of a protective ventilation strategy?

The chosen answer of using low tidal volumes and avoiding prolonged high pressures is indeed a prime example of a protective ventilation strategy. This approach is specifically designed to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) by minimizing the stress and strain on the alveolar tissue during mechanical ventilation.

The use of low tidal volumes aims to ensure adequate ventilation while preventing overdistension of the lungs, which can occur with higher volumes. Avoiding prolonged high pressures is critical because excessively elevated pressures can result in barotrauma and other damage to lung parenchyma. This strategy is especially relevant in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or other conditions where lung protection is prioritized to improve overall outcomes.

Protective ventilation strategies focus on lung-protective techniques that prioritize the health of the lungs and the patient. By doing so, healthcare providers can better manage ventilation while minimizing additional harm that may arise from the mechanical ventilation process itself.