Dead Space/Tidal Volume Ratio (VD/VT) | Quick Explainer Video

What is the Dead Space/Tidal Volume Ratio (VD/VT)? This video breaks down the medical definition and provides a brief overview of this topic.
💥Mechanical Ventilation [Made East] ➜ ➜ ➜ https://bit.ly/3i4m1v1
💥Ventilator Weaning [Full Guide] ➜ ➜ ➜ https://bit.ly/3cPJm0s
💥Ventilator Management [Full Guide] ➜ ➜ ➜ https://bit.ly/2X6J0Mg

➡️ VD/VT
Dead space refers to the volume of ventilated air that does not participate in gas exchange. Tidal volume is the volume of air that is inhaled and exhaled from the lungs during normal breathing. By comparing the two, you get the dead space/tidal volume (VD/VT) ratio, which is used to measure the efficiency of gas exchange.

➡️ How to Calculate Dead Space
Dead space can be calculated using the Bohr equation, which is given as a ratio of dead space to tidal volume:

➡️ Bohr Equation:
VD/VT = (PaCO2 – PeCO2) / PaCO2

For example, let’s say an adult patient has a PaCO2 of 42 mmHg and a PECO2 of 33 mmHg. What is the deadspace to tidal volume ratio?

Now, all you have to do is plug the numbers into the formula:
- VD/VT = (42 – 33) / 42
- VD/VT = 9 / 42
- VD/VT = 0.21

➡️ Increased VD/VT
In general, the VD/VT ratio is increased in patients with conditions that cause increased physiologic dead space. Some examples include:
- Congestive heart failure
- Pulmonary embolism
- ARDS
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Patients receiving mechanical ventilation

The VD/VT ratio is also increased when a patient has a decreased tidal volume, such as during rapid, shallow breathing. This ratio is also helpful during ventilator weaning to help determine if a patient is ready for extubation. In general, the VD/VT must be less than 60% to consider weaning.

💥Mechanical Ventilation [Made East] ➜ ➜ ➜ https://bit.ly/3i4m1v1
💥Ventilator Weaning [Full Guide] ➜ ➜ ➜ https://bit.ly/3cPJm0s
💥Ventilator Management [Full Guide] ➜ ➜ ➜ https://bit.ly/2X6J0Mg

—————

📗 BEST STUDY GUIDES FOR YOU
▪ TMC Test Bank 👉 http://bit.ly/2IGeqSu
▪ Hacking the TMC Exam 👉 http://bit.ly/2XBc8do
▪ TMC Exam Bundle (Save $) 👉 https://bit.ly/34pqEsV
▪ Daily TMC Practice Questions 👉 http://bit.ly/2NnXh3C

💙MORE FROM RTZ
▪ Free TMC Practice Exam 👉 http://bit.ly/2XlwASL
▪ Free RRT Cheat Sheet 👉 http://bit.ly/2IbmOKB
▪ Resources for RT's 👉 http://bit.ly/2WVV5qo
▪ Testimonials 👉 http://bit.ly/2x7b5Gl

🌐FOLLOW US
▪ Instagram 👉 http://bit.ly/2FhF0jV
▪ Twitter 👉 http://bit.ly/2ZsS6T1
▪ Facebook 👉 http://bit.ly/2MSEejt
▪ Pinterest 👉 http://bit.ly/2ZwVLPw

🚑MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you watch in this video. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

💡AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This description contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase a product through one of them, we receive a small commission at no cost to you.

—————

⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:01 - Dead Space
0:07 - Tidal Volume
0:32 - How to Calculate Dead Space
0:44 - Bohr Equation
1:40 - Increased VD/VT

—————

🖼CREDIT FOR MUSIC AND GRAPHICS:
▪ Music licensed from Audiojungle.net/
▪ Graphics: Canva.com, Freevector.com, Vecteezy.com, and Pngtree.com

#deadspace #tidalvolume #respiratorytherapy