Study 6 Mechanical Ventilation with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What is the purpose of mechanical ventilation?
It uses positive pressure to support or replace breathing when a person cannot maintain adequate oxygenation, ventilation, or airway protection. It supports the patient while the underlying cause is treated.
What does PEEP do?
PEEP maintains pressure at the end of expiration, helping keep alveoli open. Excessive pressure can impair venous return or overdistend the lungs.
How does assist-control ventilation work?
Assist-control provides a minimum breathing rate and also supports breaths triggered by the patient.
What characterizes pressure support?
Pressure support assists patient-triggered breaths without setting a mandatory rate, so it is often used during spontaneous breathing trials.
How is noninvasive ventilation delivered?
Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) delivers positive pressure through a fitted mask or similar interface without an endotracheal tube.
How do CPAP and bilevel NIV differ?
CPAP provides one continuous pressure. Bilevel NIV uses higher pressure during inspiration than expiration, supporting ventilation as well as oxygenation.
What findings can make NIV unsafe or ineffective?
NIV may be unsafe or ineffective with inability to protect the airway, worsening consciousness, hemodynamic instability, or inability to manage secretions. Do not let an NIV trial delay needed intubation.
What should be checked after a high-pressure alarm?
Assess the patient, tubing, and airway promptly. Possible causes include coughing, biting or kinking, secretions, bronchospasm, or reduced lung compliance.
How do volume-targeted and pressure-targeted modes differ?
Volume-targeted modes aim for a set tidal volume, while airway pressure varies with lung mechanics. Pressure-targeted modes aim for a set inspiratory pressure, while tidal volume can vary as resistance or lung stiffness changes.
Which weight is used to base lung-protective tidal volume on?
A lung-protective approach bases tidal volume on predicted body weight, not actual body weight.
What does plateau pressure better reflect?
Plateau pressure is measured during an inspiratory hold in a passive patient. It better reflects respiratory-system pressure when airflow has stopped.
What should be checked after a low-pressure or low-volume alarm?
Check for a disconnection, leak, or displaced airway.