A patient receiving VC SIMV ventilation has a spontaneous tidal volume of 500 mL and a respiratory rate of 20/min. What is the RSBI value?

To calculate the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI), the formula used is:

RSBI = Respiratory Rate (f) / Tidal Volume (Vt)

In this scenario, the patient has a spontaneous tidal volume of 500 mL and a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute. First, it is essential to convert the tidal volume into liters to ensure consistent units, as RSBI is typically expressed in liters. Thus, 500 mL becomes 0.5 L.

Now, applying the values into the formula:

RSBI = 20 breaths/minute / 0.5 L

This calculation gives:

RSBI = 20 / 0.5 = 40

Therefore, the RSBI value is 40, which is significant in assessing the efficiency of a patient's breathing. A higher RSBI suggests rapid and shallow breathing, often indicating respiratory distress or underlying issues requiring further evaluation. This value is an important metric used by healthcare providers to assess respiratory function and determine if additional intervention might be needed.