Weaning, Spontaneous Breathing Trials, & Extubation

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary related to weaning, spontaneous breathing trials, and extubation in mechanical ventilation.

Weaning

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

Spontaneous Breathing Trials (SBTs)

Clinical tests to evaluate a patient's ability to breathe independently.

Mechanical Ventilation

Assisted breathing provided by machines for patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own.

Work of Breathing (WOB)

The effort required to breathe, which is gradually transferred from the ventilator to the patient during weaning.

Critical Transition Phase

A crucial period during mechanical ventilation when the patient is gradually prepared to breathe independently.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Health issues present before the weaning process that can affect success rates.

Cardiovascular Stability

A key factor influencing the weaning process, indicating a steady state of heart function and blood circulation.

Oxygenation Weaning Criteria

Standards related to oxygen levels and support required for weaning a patient off mechanical ventilation.

PaCO2

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, a criterion for assessing weaning readiness.

Common Weaning Modes

Different methods used for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, including SIMV and CPAP/PSV.

Negative Inspiratory Force

Measurement used to assess the strength of a patient's inspiratory muscles during weaning.

Spontaneous Tidal Volume

The volume of air inhaled or exhaled in one breath without assisted ventilation.

Post-Extubation Care

Monitoring and support provided to patients after removal of the endotracheal tube.

Extubation Criteria

Conditions that need to be met before safely removing a patient’s endotracheal tube.

Terminal Weaning

The process of withdrawing life support when a patient is not expected to survive.

Unplanned Extubation

Accidental removal of the endotracheal tube, often requiring immediate management.

Monitoring During Weaning

Key parameters that need to be evaluated continuously throughout the weaning process.

Psychological Readiness

A patient’s mental state that may affect their ability to successfully undergo weaning.

Shunt Fraction (Qs/Qt)

A measurement used to assess the efficiency of gas exchange and a criterion for weaning.

A-a Gradient

The alveolar-arterial gradient, a measure of the difference between the oxygen concentration in the alveoli and arterial blood.

Documentation and Quality Measure

The process of recording weaning parameters, interventions, and patient responses to ensure increased quality of care.