Müse Parameter Descriptions280Neuromuscular Blockade (NMB)The degree of NMB is automatically determined by pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models,which are based on the neuromuscular blocking agents administered and the time course of theirinjection. For some educational applications, however, the instructor may wish to set a fixed degree ofneuromuscular blockade that remains stable for an indefinite period. This can be accomplished usingthe NMB parameter. The default setting instructs the pharmacologic models to determine the degreeof neuromuscular blockade based upon the drugs injected and their pharmacologic properties.When a numeric value is assigned to this parameter, the degree of NMB is set to that level. For example,80% NMB causes the simulator to set the degree of NMB to 80%, regardless of the presence (orabsence) of neuromuscular blocking drugs. Clinically, the spontaneous tidal volume is markedlyreduced. If NMB is set to greater than 30%, the eyes will automatically close when in the Auto mode.Default: ModeledRange: 0% - 100%Tidal VolumeThe Tidal Volume parameter is used to set the tidal volume to a given volume per breath. Once TidalVolume is set to a numeric value, arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide values have no effect on the tidalvolume, but continue to influence other components of the physiological models.For example, with the tidal volume set to 600 mL in the adult simulator, the tidal volume remains aconstant (set) 600 mL even in the event of falling arterial oxygen levels. In such situations, the patientcan only respond to arterial oxygen or carbon dioxide levels when the respiratory rate is adjusted.Default: ModeledRange: 0 mL- 2500 mLIntrapleural Volume (Vol): (Left and Right)The Intrapleural Vol parameters allow intrapleural volume to accumulate, for example, as happensduring pneumothorax, hydrothorax or hemothorax.To simulate a pneumothorax, set the corresponding Intrapleural Vol to a value greater than 0 mL.Values more than 1500 mL reduce the corresponding lung volume significantly. Breath sounds andchest rise are automatically diminished on the appropriate side due to decreased ventilation of theaffected lung.Default: 0Range: 0 mL - 2500 mL
