Describe assist-control ventilation (ACV).

Assist-control ventilation (ACV) is designed to provide either a preset volume or pressure with each breath, ensuring a certain level of ventilation support for the patient. This mode can be particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to maintain adequate ventilation on their own. When the patient initiates a breath, the ventilator detects this effort and delivers the predetermined volume or pressure, thereby ensuring that the patient receives sufficient ventilation. If the patient does not initiate breaths, the ventilator automatically delivers the preset number of breaths to meet the patient's needs.

In this way, ACV combines patient-initiated breaths with the risk that the ventilator will deliver its preset support, which enhances overall ventilation and can help alleviate work of breathing. This adaptability makes it a versatile mode in various clinical situations, especially in patients with compromised respiratory function.