Which of the following best represents a parameter monitored during mechanical ventilation?

The choice of control of blood gas levels as the best parameter monitored during mechanical ventilation highlights the primary goal of mechanical ventilation, which is to optimize the patient's gas exchange and overall pulmonary function. Blood gas levels, specifically partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), are critical indicators of respiratory efficiency and effectiveness. Monitoring these levels allows healthcare providers to assess how well the mechanical ventilator is supporting the patient in maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Adjustments can be made to ventilation settings based on blood gas analysis to ensure that the patient remains within target ranges, thereby preventing complications such as hypoxemia or hypercapnia. Effective management of blood gas levels is essential for patient safety and recovery during mechanical ventilation.

Other parameters, such as respiratory rate settings, cycling of ventilation modes, or patient comfort levels, are indeed important but serve more as mechanical or comfort adjustments rather than direct indicators of physiological status. While these factors can influence how well mechanical ventilation is delivered, they do not provide the same critical physiological assessment as blood gas levels, which directly reflect the effectiveness of ventilation and gas exchange.