Volume control and pressure control are two of the most important mechanical ventilation modes used in critical care. In this episode, we review the physiologic principles behind both modes, explain how ventilator settings influence pressure, flow, and tidal volume, interpret ventilator scalars and waveforms, and compare the advantages, limitations, and bedside applications of each mode. Topics covered include: • Foundations of controlled mechanical ventilation • Mandatory breaths and ventilator modes • Volume control ventilation principles • Volume control ventilator settings • Tidal volume, respiratory rate, PEEP, FiO₂, and inspiratory flow • Pressure, flow, and volume scalars in volume control • Peak pressure and plateau pressure interpretation • Pressure control ventilation principles • Pressure control ventilator settings • Inspiratory pressure, inspiratory time, respiratory rate, PEEP, and FiO₂ • Pressure, flow, and volume scalars in pressure control • Delivered tidal volume in pressure control ventilation • Effects of lung compliance and airway resistance • Comparing volume control versus pressure control • Advantages and limitations of each ventilation mode • Practical bedside applications in respiratory failure and critical care Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cVgxMkiI6Y 📚 Join the WhiteBoard Medicine Patreon Community https://www.patreon.com/WhiteBoardMedicine Join a growing emergency medicine, critical care, and resuscitation education community built around high-yield clinical learning. Patreon members get access to: • Comprehensive Study Guides • Bedside One-Pagers • Clinical Reviews • Mini-Courses • Practice Questions • Ad-Free Videos • Structured Topic Collections 🌐 WhiteBoard Medicine Website Explore our growing library of critical care and emergency medicine content: https://www.whiteboardmedicine.com ⚠️ Educational Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional protocols, specialist consultation, or individualized patient care. Full disclaimer: https://whiteboardmedicine.com/disclaimer

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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