Mechanical Ventilation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to mechanical ventilation and respiratory failure.

Respiratory Failure

A condition characterized by abnormal blood gas levels, specifically PaO2 less than 60 mm Hg and/or PaCO2 greater than 50 mm Hg with acidemia.

Ventilatory Failure

A type of respiratory failure caused by physical problems affecting the lungs or respiratory control mechanisms.

Oxygenation Failure

A condition where blood is not sufficiently oxygenated at the alveolar level, often due to factors like right to left shunting or VQ mismatch.

Dyspnea

Difficulty or labored breathing that can occur in patients with respiratory failure.

Intubation

The process of inserting an endotracheal tube to protect the airway and facilitate oxygen delivery.

Endotracheal Tube (ET)

A device placed through the vocal cords and into the trachea, positioned 2 cm above the carina.

Ventilator

A machine designed to provide mechanical ventilation by either breathing for a patient or assisting their breathing.

FiO2

Fraction of inspired oxygen, indicating the concentration of oxygen being delivered to the patient.

PEEP

Positive end-expiratory pressure, which is the pressure maintained in the airways at the end of expiration.

A/C Mode

Assist control ventilation mode that allows the patient to rest while the ventilator provides additional breaths.

SIMV Mode

Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation, a mode used for weaning that allows for spontaneous breaths.

High Pressure Alarm

An alarm indicating possible issues such as airway obstruction or decreased lung compliance affecting ventilator function.

Low Pressure Alarm

An alarm activated by a leak in the system or when a patient is not breathing adequately.

Apnea Alarm

An alarm signaling that the patient has stopped breathing or the tubing has become disconnected.

Complications of Mechanical Ventilation

Potential negative outcomes including infection, atelectasis, barotrauma, and oxygen toxicity.

VAP

Ventilator Assisted Pneumonia, a type of pneumonia that can occur in patients on mechanical ventilation.