GATE 2024 BM – Question 47
A volume-controlled ventilator delivers 600 mL tidal volume at 40 L/min and 10 breaths/min. If flow rate doubles while the volume and breathing-frequency settings remain fixed, what happens?
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Correct answer: (B) Expiratory time increases
Explanation
Inspiratory time equals volume divided by flow. Initially it is 0.6/(40/60)=0.9 seconds; doubled flow reduces it to 0.45 seconds. The six-second breathing period stays fixed, leaving more time for expiration: 5.55 rather than 5.1 seconds. Thus B.