If a premature neonate is ventilated at a respiratory rate of 30/minute and an inspiratory time of 0.5 seconds, what is the resulting I:E ratio?

To determine the I:E (inspiratory:expiratory) ratio, you first need to calculate the total cycle time of the respiratory rate and then analyze the time spent in inspiration and expiration.

With a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, the total cycle time (TCT) can be calculated as follows:

1. Total cycle time = 60 seconds / 30 breaths = 2 seconds per breath.

Next, we can assess the inspiratory time:

• The inspiratory time is given as 0.5 seconds.

Now, to find the expiratory time, subtract the inspiratory time from the total cycle time:

• Expiratory time = Total cycle time - Inspiratory time = 2 seconds - 0.5 seconds = 1.5 seconds.

Now that we have both the inspiratory and expiratory times, we can find the I:E ratio by comparing these two values:

• I:E ratio = Inspiratory time : Expiratory time = 0.5 seconds : 1.5 seconds.

To simplify this, divide both sides by 0.5 seconds:

• I:E ratio = 1 : 3.

Thus, the resulting I:E ratio is 1:3. This