Mechanical Ventilation Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to mechanical ventilation and patient care in critical settings.

Hypoxemia

A condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen in the blood.

Acidosis

An abnormal increase in the acidity of the blood.

Airway protection

Measures taken to ensure that a patient's airway is clear and unobstructed.

Positive pressure ventilation

A method of mechanical ventilation in which air is pushed into the lungs.

Negative pressure ventilation

A natural method of breathing where the diaphragm contracts to draw air into the lungs due to decreased pressure.

Tidal Volume (TV)

The amount of air delivered to the lungs with each breath, normally around 500 mL.

FiO2

Fraction of Inspired Oxygen; the percentage of oxygen in the air mixture delivered to the patient.

PEEP

Positive End-Expiratory Pressure; the pressure maintained in the airways at the end of expiration to keep alveoli open.

Sensitivity

The amount of effort required from a patient to initiate a breath on a ventilator.

Ventilator Modes

Different settings on a ventilator that determine how breaths are delivered to the patient.

Alarm fatigue

A condition where a healthcare provider becomes desensitized to alarms, potentially leading to delayed response.

Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP)

The highest pressure reached during ventilation, indicating resistance and compliance of the lungs.

ABG (Arterial Blood Gas)

A test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to assess respiratory function.

Core temperature

The temperature of the body’s internal environment, often measured in ventilated patients via bladder or rectal methods.