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🫁 Ventilatory Ratio (VR)

UseWhen to use: ventilated patients (often ARDS) when V̇E, PaCO₂, and PBW are known.

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StrataHigher VR → more dead-space / inefficient CO₂ clearance.

LimitsWhen not to use: as sole weaning criterion. · Pitfall: using actual obese weight instead of PBW. · Interpret with P/F and driving pressure.

SourceSinha P et al. Ventilatory ratio

Runs locally in your browser (no PHI uploaded). For licensed clinicians — not a substitute for clinical judgement.
Stored on this device for revisit reminders

This-shift next steps

After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.

Paste the link in Slack, Teams, X, or LinkedIn — the preview image comes from this page’s Open Graph card.

Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Clinical takeaway

Dimensionless VR.

When to use

When to use: ventilated patients (often ARDS) when V̇E, PaCO₂, and PBW are known.

How it works

VR=(V̇E×PaCO₂)/(PBW×0.1×37.5) with V̇E in L/min.

Key points

  • Dimensionless VR.
  • Ideal PaCO₂ 37.5.
  • Next: ARDS bundle review.

References

  • Sinha P et al. Ventilatory ratio

Worked calculation

The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.

Minute ventilation (V̇E)8.5 L/min
PaCO₂45 mmHg
Predicted body weight70 kg

→Ventilatory ratio1.46

  • Cue:VR <1.5 — nearer predicted ventilatory efficiency
  • Ideal PaCO₂:37.5 mmHg in denominator
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Ventilatory Ratio (VR) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
How is Ventilatory Ratio (VR) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: Minute ventilation (V̇E) 8.5 L/min, PaCO₂ 45 mmHg, Predicted body weight 70 kg → Result: Ventilatory ratio 1.46(Cue: VR <1.5 — nearer predicted ventilatory efficiency, Ideal PaCO₂: 37.5 mmHg in denominator)
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