Mechanical Ventilation

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to mechanical ventilation, aiding in the review of important terms and definitions relevant to patient care.

Mechanical Ventilation

A machine used to provide adequate ventilation and oxygenation to a patient unable to adequately ventilate or oxygenate.

Goals of Mechanical Ventilation

Improve ventilation, improve oxygenation, decrease the work of breathing, correct life-threatening blood gas and acid-base abnormalities, and ultimately wean the patient off the ventilator.

Positive Pressure Ventilation

A mode of mechanical ventilation that pushes air into the lungs, leading to expiration occurring spontaneously.

Assist Control (AC)

A ventilator mode that sets tidal volume and rate, allowing the machine to take over the work of breathing.

Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV)

A mode similar to AC but allows spontaneous breathing at the patient's own rate and tidal volume.

BiPAP

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure; provides noninvasive pressure support ventilation primarily for respiratory failure.

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; supports spontaneous breathing and keeps alveoli open during exhalation.

PEEP (Positive End Expiratory Pressure)

Pressure exerted into the airways at the end of exhalation to prevent alveolar collapse.

Ventilator Alarms

Alerts indicating a problem with the ventilator or patient; require immediate evaluation.

Weaning from Ventilation

The process of gradually transferring the work of breathing from the ventilator to the patient.

VAP (Ventilator Associated Pneumonia)

Infection that occurs in patients on mechanical ventilation; importantly prevented through proper oral hygiene and suctioning.

Riker Scale

A tool used to assess sedation levels in patients, rating from unarousable to dangerous agitation.

Inadequate Ventilation

When the tidal volume or respiratory rate is insufficient to meet the patient's needs, leading to respiratory acidosis.

Dysfunctional Weaning Process

Complications that can hinder successful wean from mechanical ventilation, such as fatigue and secretions.

Nursing Interventions for Ventilated Patients

Actions taken to manage the care of patients on mechanical ventilation, including suctioning and communication support.

Airway Management

Ensuring the artificial airway is patent and managing secretions appropriately.