Initiating Mechanical Ventilation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to mechanical ventilation and acute respiratory failure.

Homeostasis

Normal respiratory balance maintained by the body involving acid-base balance, O2, and CO2 levels.

Mechanical Ventilation

A method to support or manipulate pulmonary gas exchange, increasing lung volume and decreasing the work of breathing.

Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF)

Respiratory activity that is inadequate to maintain CO2 clearance and O2 uptake.

Hypoxic Respiratory Failure

Acute life-threatening tissue hypoxia due to inadequate oxygenation.

Ventilatory Pump

Consists of respiratory muscles, thoracic cage, nerves, and nerve centers that control ventilation.

Hypercapneic Respiratory Failure

The inability of the body to maintain a normal PaCO2, also known as ventilatory pump failure.

Work Of Breathing (^WOB)

Indicates increased effort in breathing, which can lead to respiratory failure.

Monitoring Respiratory Fatigue

Patients should be monitored for changes in respiratory status every 2-4 hours.

PaCO2

Lab value that reflects the adequacy of ventilation; normal range is 35-45 mmHg.

Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV)

Treatment of choice for acute-on-chronic respiratory failure.