What best describes the primary goal of Assist Control Ventilation (AC)?

The primary goal of Assist Control Ventilation (AC) is to assist with spontaneous breathing while providing support. This mode of ventilation is designed to support patients who are either unable to initiate breaths on their own or require additional assistance because of respiratory distress or failure.

In Assist Control Ventilation, the ventilator delivers a set tidal volume and rate but also allows for spontaneous breaths. If the patient initiates a breath, the ventilator responds by delivering the preset tidal volume, ensuring that the patient receives adequate ventilation regardless of their effort. This combination of controlled and assisted breaths allows for patient-ventilator synchronization and encourages the patient's own respiratory efforts, leading to improved patient comfort and potentially better outcomes in critically ill patients.

While full control of the patient's breathing might be achieved through other modes of ventilation, Assist Control focuses on providing support rather than taking over completely, making it more comfortable for patients who can still engage in spontaneous breathing.