Ventilation I:E Ratio Math Problem

Question

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

Answer 1

To calculate I:E Ratio for your patient, ‘assuming’ this patient is oxygenated & ventilated via mechanical ventilation. Note: Typical non-ventilator, non-COPD, negative pressure breathing utilizes I:E Ratio 1:2 seconds; 1 inspiratory second to 2 expiratory breaths.

*Please note different manufacturers may utilize general or proprietary terms & definitions for their various modes of ventilation.

1) I:E Ratio: First evaluate provided patient data:

-Inspiratory Time (I) 2 seconds

-Frequency 12 BPM (Respirations per minute)

2) 60 seconds per respiratory cycle. Divide 60 by 12 to get 5 seconds for each Cycle. 60/12 = 5.

3) I time 2 seconds, thus E time = 3 seconds.

4) I:E Ratio = 2:3

Note how Reverse I:E Ratio Ventilation is utilized in various pulmonary diseases to correct Hypoxia and/or Hypoxemia, such as in ARDS, and now COVID-19.