What is the appropriate tidal volume adjustment for a patient with acute lung injury (ALI)?

In patients with acute lung injury (ALI), the appropriate tidal volume adjustment is a decrease in tidal volume. This approach is based on the principle of lung protective ventilation. Lower tidal volumes help minimize ventilator-induced lung injury by reducing overdistension of alveoli and preventing further lung damage.

Using lower tidal volumes, typically around 6-8 mL/kg of predicted body weight, has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This strategy is essential for maintaining adequate gas exchange while minimizing ventilator-related complications. Therefore, decreasing tidal volume is the appropriate action in management of patients with ALI.