In Controlled Mode Ventilation (CMV), who mainly controls the ventilation characteristics?

In Controlled Mode Ventilation (CMV), the machine plays a pivotal role in controlling the ventilation characteristics. This mode is designed to provide breaths at preset intervals and tidal volumes, ensuring that the patient's respiratory needs are met regardless of their ability to initiate breaths. The ventilator automatically delivers these breaths based on the specific parameters set by the clinician, such as respiratory rate, tidal volume, and inspiratory pressure.

In a CMV setting, the patient's own respiratory efforts do not influence ventilation; rather, the machine exclusively dictates the timing and volume of each breath. This makes it particularly suitable for patients who are unable to breathe independently or require full ventilatory support, as it ensures a consistent and reliable ventilation pattern. Thus, the defining characteristic of CMV is the predominance of machine control in regulating ventilation, which aligns with the correct answer.