I:E Ratio Cardiopulmonary Question

Question

If a patient's F = 12, and has a two second inspiration, his I:E ratio is

Answer 1

If I understand the question correctly, you are asking the I:E ratio when the respirations are 12/minute and there is a 2 second inspiration. This is essentially a math problem.

1. Divide the number of respirations by 1 minute (60 seconds). This is the amount of time each breath takes to be completed.
2. 12/60 = 5 seconds
3. If the breath takes 5 total seconds and 2 seconds of that are inspiration, then the other 3 seconds must be expiration. Therefore, the I:E ratio is 2:3.
4. 5 seconds total per breath - 2 seconds inspiration per breath = 3 seconds expiration per breath