Mechanical Ventilation Alarms and Complications

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Questions and Answers

When is the high frequency alarm triggered?

When the respiratory frequency exceeds 10 breaths per minute above the observed frequency (correct)

When the respiratory frequency is below 10 breaths per minute

When the machine detects apnea for more than 15 seconds

When the patient breaths less than 5 times per minute

What should the apnea alarm be set to account for?

Water in the ventilator circuit

Delays in the ventilator trigger (correct)

Inadvertent disconnections

Airway resistance increases

How should the high F₂O₂ alarm be set?

5% to 10% below the analyzed F₂O₂

Equal to the observed F₂O₂

1% to 3% above the maximum oxygen concentration

5% to 10% above the analyzed F₂O₂ (correct)

What is a common consequence of longer periods of mechanical ventilation?

Increased risk of ventilator disconnections and complications Signup and view all the answers

What can cause an apnea alarm to trigger?

Kinking of the endotracheal tube Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of setting a delay for the apnea alarm?

To avoid unnecessary alarms due to transient breathing pauses. Signup and view all the answers

How should the low F₂O₂ alarm be configured in relation to the analyzed F₂O₂ level?

Set 5% to 10% below the analyzed F₂O₂. Signup and view all the answers

What could be a reason for a high frequency alarm to be triggered?

A respiratory frequency exceeding the baseline by 10 breaths per minute. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common hazard associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation?

Higher likelihood of ventilator disconnections. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a common cause for an apnea alarm to trigger?

High respiratory frequency. Signup and view all the answers

What should the low exhaled volume alarm be set to in relation to the expired mechanical tidal volume?

100 mL lower than the expired volume Signup and view all the answers

How should the low inspiratory pressure alarm be configured?

10 to 15 cm H₂O below the observed peak inspiratory pressure Signup and view all the answers

What scenario triggers the high inspiratory pressure alarm?

When the peak inspiratory pressure is equal to or higher than the high limit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of both the low exhaled volume alarm and the low inspiratory pressure alarm?

To detect system leaks or circuit disconnections Signup and view all the answers

How should the high inspiratory pressure alarm be set in comparison to the observed peak inspiratory pressure?

10 to 15 cm H₂O above the observed peak inspiratory pressure Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the I Time when tidal volume is increased?

Increases Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of decreasing tidal volume on the I:E Ratio?

Increases Signup and view all the answers

When the frequency is increased, what is the result on E Time?

Decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected change in the I Time when frequency is decreased?

Minimal change Signup and view all the answers

How does an increase in tidal volume affect the E Time?

Decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason to keep the initial oxygen fraction (FiO2) below 50%?

To prevent oxygen-induced lung injuries Signup and view all the answers

Which method is not typically used for optimal PEEP titration?

Tidal volume adjustments Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range for the I:E ratio in mechanical ventilation?

1:2 to 1:4 Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the I:E ratio if the I-time is increased while keeping tidal volume constant?

The I:E ratio decreases Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may warrant the use of a reverse I:E ratio?

Refractory hypoxemia in low compliance patients Signup and view all the answers

How does adjusting the flow rate impact the I:E ratio?

It inversely affects the I:E ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of Auto-PEEP on ventilator waveforms?

End-expiratory pressure is elevated Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial PEEP setting recommended for mechanical ventilation?

5 cm H2O Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial FO2 setting recommended for patients with severe hypoxemia?

100% Signup and view all the answers

After stabilizing a patient, what is the best FO2 level to maintain to avoid oxygen-induced lung injuries?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What method is used to evaluate whether the FO2 needs adjustment?

Arterial blood gas analyses Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is it most critical to set the initial FO2 at 100%?

For patients experiencing smoke inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of adjusting the FO2 after stabilization of the patient?

To maintain a specific PaO₂ level Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range for setting the initial tidal volume per kg of predicted body weight?

10 to 12 mL/kg Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential complication of using lower tidal volumes in ventilation?

Acute hypercapnia Signup and view all the answers

For patients with COPD, why is a reduced tidal volume beneficial?

It allows for complete exhalation in a longer time frame. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major reason the actual tidal volume delivered to a patient is lower than the set value?

Circuit compressible volume loss Signup and view all the answers

In which condition may lower tidal volume settings be necessary?

Lung resection Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical initial frequency range for ventilator settings to achieve eucapneic ventilation?

10 to 12 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

How do you calculate the initial frequency for a patient based on their estimated minute volume and tidal volume?

Frequency = Estimated minute volume / Tidal volume Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance should the ventilator frequency be increased to normalize PaCO2?

When CO2 production is elevated or physiological dead space is increased Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated minute volume calculation for a male patient with a body surface area of 1.8 m²?

7.2 L/min Signup and view all the answers

When is it necessary to check blood gases after stabilizing a patient on the ventilator?

15-30 minutes after stabilization Signup and view all the answers

What describes the mechanism used to initiate inspiration in mechanical ventilation?

Trigger variable Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ventilation allows for spontaneous breaths between mandatory ones?

Intermittent mandatory ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which control type adjusts the output based on the patient’s variable needs?

Servo Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes continuous spontaneous ventilation?

All breaths are spontaneous and can vary in assistance Signup and view all the answers

Which description best fits 'adaptive' control in a ventilator?

Alters set points in response to changing conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which mode provides all breaths controlled by the machine, with no spontaneous breaths allowed?

Continuous mandatory ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cycle variable in mechanical ventilation?

To determine when inspiration ends Signup and view all the answers

Which ventilation mode can function without assistance, but may also provide assistance?

Continuous spontaneous ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) during mechanical ventilation?

To maintain positive pressure at the end of expiration Signup and view all the answers

Which operating mode allows a patient to breathe independently while also receiving support from the ventilator for inadequate breaths?

Assisted Control (AC) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common goal of mechanical ventilation that focuses on the interaction between the patient and the ventilator?

Ensuring patient-ventilator synchrony Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modes maintains a continuous positive pressure throughout the entire respiratory cycle?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the significant risks that mechanical ventilation aims to avoid?

Ventilator-induced lung injury Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the high pressure in Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV)?

To help maintain inflated alveoli Signup and view all the answers

How is the time interval set between high and low pressures in APRV?

It is predetermined by clinician settings Signup and view all the answers

In APRV, what is the purpose of releasing pressure from the higher setting to the lower one?

To facilitate CO2 removal Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'time-triggered' mean in the context of APRV?

Breaths are delivered based on a preset timer Signup and view all the answers

What is typically expected regarding pressure support during the spontaneous breath phase in APRV?

Pressure support may be present based on settings Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of setting the higher pressure above the lower inflection point of the lung's pressure-volume curve?

To achieve optimal lung inflation and recruitment Signup and view all the answers

What are the two pressure levels in APRV commonly referred to as?

High and low pressures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) is true?

APRV utilizes two distinct levels of pressure for ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in Automode when there is a presence of spontaneous effort from the patient?

Initiates volume-support ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Proportional Assist Ventilation (PAV)?

Amplifies inspiratory pressure based on patient's flow and volume. Signup and view all the answers

How does Automatic Tube Compensation benefit the patient during ventilation?

It adjusts the pressure to account for airway resistance. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is unique to the Automode compared to other ventilation modes?

Combines pressure and volume support within a single mode. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would a clinician want to set thresholds for tidal volume targeting on a ventilator?

When maintaining a balance between ventilator support and patient effort. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dual control within-a-breath modes in a ventilator?

To switch from pressure-controlled to volume-controlled during inspiration. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if the target volume is not met during pressure-limited time-cycled breaths?

An alarm alerts the clinician. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about pressure-limited flow-cycled breaths?

Inspiration ends when the inspiratory flow falls to a set level. Signup and view all the answers

How does the ventilator adjust pressure during pressure-limited time-cycled breaths?

By calculating airway resistance and lung compliance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of dual control breath-to-breath modes?

They allow adjustments to pressure limits to meet individual breath volume targets. Signup and view all the answers

What does Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV) allow the patient to do between ventilator breaths?

Breathe spontaneously without triggering mandatory breaths Signup and view all the answers

In pressure support ventilation, how is the inspiratory flow rate maintained?

By maintaining flow until it reaches a value between 10% to 40% of peak inspiratory flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using pressure support during spontaneous breaths?

Increased tidal volume and reduced inspiratory work Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is critical for the adjustment of pressure support in a spontaneous mode of ventilation?

The patient's spontaneous effort and flow rate Signup and view all the answers

What type of breath does the IMV mode include in its cycling mechanism?

Both mandatory and spontaneous breaths in the same cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of volume-controlled ventilation?

It maintains constant tidal volume regardless of patient condition. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about pressure-controlled ventilation is accurate?

Changes in pulmonary compliance and resistance affect volume delivery. Signup and view all the answers

How does pressure-controlled ventilation help prevent lung injury?

By limiting excessive pressure on the lungs during ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to tidal volume in pressure-controlled ventilation if pulmonary compliance worsens?

Tidal volume will decrease as pressure remains constant. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of mechanical ventilation modes is essential for tailoring ventilation to patient needs?

The specific combination of breathing patterns and control types. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Apnea Alarm

Triggered by cessation of breathing (apnea) or circuit disconnection.
Set with a 15- to 20-second delay to avoid false alarms.
Potential causes include circuit disconnection, airway obstruction, and increased airway resistance.

High Frequency Alarm

Triggered when respiratory frequency exceeds set limit, indicating potential respiratory distress.
Set 10 breaths per minute above observed frequency.
Consult "Management of Mechanical Ventilation" chapter for detailed troubleshooting.

High and Low F₂O₂ Alarms

High F₂O₂ alarm set 5% to 10% above analyzed F₂O₂ value.
Low F₂O₂ alarm set 5% to 10% below analyzed F₂O₂ value.

Hazards and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation

Increased risk of complications with prolonged ventilation.
Common complications include ventilator disconnections, infections, and other complications.

Apnea Alarm

Triggered by a cessation of breathing (apnea) or circuit disconnection
Set with a 15- to 20-second delay to account for variations in ventilator triggers
Troubleshooting: Check for circuit disconnection, water in the circuit, kinking of the endotracheal tube, airway secretions, bronchospasm, mucus plugs, tension pneumothorax, and increased airway resistance

High Frequency Alarm

Triggered when respiratory frequency exceeds 10 breaths per minute above the observed frequency
Set 10 breaths per minute above the observed frequency
Represents potential respiratory distress

High and Low F₂O₂ Alarms

High F₂O₂ Alarm: Set 5% to 10% above the analyzed F₂O₂
Low F₂O₂ Alarm: Set 5% to 10% below the analyzed F₂O₂

Hazards and Complications of Mechanical Ventilation

Potential hazards include disconnections, infections, and complications
The frequency of these hazards is directly related to the duration of mechanical ventilation
Longer ventilation periods increase the risk of complications

General Information

Ventilator alarms are essential to alert medical professionals to issues with the ventilator or patient.
Although ventilator alarm systems vary, common alarms include:
- Low exhaled volume alarm
- Low inspiratory pressure alarm
- High inspiratory pressure alarm
- Apnea alarm
- High frequency alarm
- F₁O₂ alarm
These alarms should have a backup battery source in case of electrical failure.

Low Exhaled Volume Alarm

The low exhaled volume alarm is triggered when the patient fails to exhale the required tidal volume.
It is set at 100 mL below the normal tidal volume.
This alarm typically detects system leaks or circuit disconnections.

Low Inspiratory Pressure Alarm

The low inspiratory pressure alarm is triggered when the peak inspiratory pressure falls below the set limit.
It is set 10 to 15 cm H₂O below the normal peak inspiratory pressure.
This alarm complements the low exhaled volume alarm and also detects system leaks or circuit disconnections.

High Inspiratory Pressure Alarm

The high inspiratory pressure alarm is triggered when the peak inspiratory pressure reaches or exceeds the set limit.
It is set 10 to 15 cm H₂O above the normal peak inspiratory pressure.

Tidal Volume Changes

Increased tidal volume increases inspiratory time (I Time), decreases expiratory time (E Time), and decreases I:E Ratio.
Decreased tidal volume decreases I Time, increases E Time, and increases I:E Ratio.

Frequency Changes

Increased frequency (fff) results in a minimal change to inspiratory time (I Time), decreases expiratory time (E Time), and decreases I:E Ratio.
Decreased frequency (fff) results in a minimal change to I Time, increases E Time, and increases I:E Ratio.

Initial FiO2

Patients with severe hypoxemia or abnormal cardiopulmonary function may require an initial FiO2 of 100%.
This may be necessary in cases like post-resuscitation, smoke inhalation, and ARDS.
The FiO2 should be evaluated using arterial blood gas analyses.

Adjusting FiO2

After the patient stabilizes, adjust the FiO2 to maintain an appropriate PaO2.

Maintaining FiO2

Once stable, maintaining an FiO2 of 50% is recommended.
This helps to avoid oxygen-induced lung injuries.

Tidal Volume

Initial Tidal Volume: Typically set between 10 and 12 mL/kg of predicted body weight.
Predicted Body Weight: Can be used for selecting tidal volume, unless the patient is significantly underweight or overweight.
Lower Tidal Volume: Might be appropriate for certain patients, especially those with ARDS.
ARDS: Tidal volumes as low as 6 mL per kg of predicted body weight have been recommended.
Benefits of Lower Tidal Volume: Minimizes airway pressures and the risk of barotrauma.
Risks of Lower Tidal Volume: Hypercapnia, deadspace ventilation, increased work of breathing, dyspnea, severe acidosis, and atelectasis.
COPD Patients: Benefit from reduced tidal volume settings due to reduced expiratory flow rates.
COPD Tidal Volume Recommendation: Decreasing the tidal volume by 100–200 mL helps prevent air trapping and improve exhalation.
Lung Resection Patients: May require lower tidal volumes due to reduced lung volumes.

Gas Leakage and Circuit Compressible Volume

Actual Tidal Volume: Usually lower than the set tidal volume due to gas leakage and circuit compressible volume.
Gas Leakage: Can occur in the ventilator circuitry, cuff, and circuit compressible volume loss.

Initial Frequency

The initial ventilator frequency is typically set between 10 and 12 breaths per minute (bpm) to achieve a normal carbon dioxide level (PaCO2) in the blood.
This frequency, along with a typical tidal volume (amount of air per breath) of 10 to 12 mL/kg, usually provides sufficient air flow to normalize PaCO2.
Frequencies above 20 bpm can lead to unintended positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and should be avoided.

Alternative Method to Determine Initial Frequency

You can calculate the frequency by dividing estimated minute volume by tidal volume.
Formula: Frequency = Estimated minute volume / Tidal volume
- Estimated Minute Volume:
  - Males: 4.0 * BSA (body surface area)
  - Females: 3.5 * BSA (body surface area)
Body Surface Area (BSA) can be found using a nomogram (e.g., Dubois body surface area chart).

Adjusting Frequency

The initial frequency of 10-12 bpm assumes normal carbon dioxide production and physiological dead space.
If carbon dioxide production is high or dead space is increased, minute volume needs to be adjusted to maintain a normal PaCO2.
Increase frequency is usually more appropriate than increasing tidal volume to avoid high airway pressure.

Blood Gas Monitoring

Blood gases should be checked 15-30 minutes after stabilizing on the ventilator.
Higher than normal PaCO2 (e.g., >45 mm Hg or >50 mm Hg for patients with chronic CO2 retention) indicates the need for an increase in minute volume, typically by increasing frequency.
Lower than normal PaCO2 (e.g., <35 mm Hg) indicates a potential overventilation, and a decrease in minute volume, typically by decreasing frequency, may be necessary.

Mechanical Breath Variables

Control variable: Determines how a breath is delivered. Examples include pressure-controlled or volume-controlled ventilation.
Trigger variable: Initiates inspiration. Can be triggered by patient pressure or flow, or by the ventilator using a time trigger.
Cycle variable: Ends inspiration. Can be volume-cycled, pressure-cycled, flow-cycled, or time-cycled.

Breath Sequence

Continuous mandatory: All breaths are controlled by the ventilator, with no spontaneous breaths permitted. An example is CMV.
Intermittent mandatory: The ventilator provides a set number of mandatory breaths. Spontaneous breaths are allowed between mandatory breaths, as in SIMV.
Continuous spontaneous: All breaths are spontaneous, either with assistance (pressure support ventilation (PSV)) or without assistance (continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)).

Control or Target Scheme

Set point: The ventilator's target for achieving a desired goal. For example, the set point for pressure-controlled ventilation is pressure.
Servo: The ventilator adjusts its output based on patient-specific variables. For example, proportional assist ventilation adjusts its pressure to create appropriate flow to meet a patient's flow needs.
Adaptive: The ventilator modifies the set point to reach a different target. For example, pressure-regulated volume control adjusts pressure by altering flow and inspiratory time to reach a targeted volume.
Optimal: The ventilator employs a mathematical model to adjust set points to achieve a specific goal. Adaptive support ventilation alters frequency, tidal volume, and pressure to attain a desired minute ventilation.

Ventilation Modes

Intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV): A set number of breaths are provided by the ventilator, allowing for spontaneous breaths between.
Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV): Similar to IMV, but synchronized with the patient's breathing pattern.
Mandatory minute ventilation (MMV): The ventilator provides a set number of breaths per minute, regardless of the patient's breathing pattern.
Pressure support ventilation (PSV): The ventilator assists spontaneous breaths by providing pressure support.

Operating Modes of Mechanical Ventilation

Ventilator modes define the operating characteristics of a ventilator
Modes describe how inspiration and expiration are triggered and cycled, limits placed on variables during inspiration, and breath spontaneity
Modern ventilators also control FiO2, inspiratory flow rate, and have various alarms
Regardless of the operating mode, four main goals should always be considered:
- Adequate ventilation and oxygenation
- Avoiding ventilator-induced lung injury
- Patient-ventilator synchrony
- Successful weaning from mechanical ventilation
There are over 23 different ventilation modes available on various ventilators
Modes can be combined to achieve specific effects
Spontaneous: Patient breathes independently
Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP): Adds pressure at the end of exhalation
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): Maintains positive pressure throughout respiration
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP): Two different pressures are applied for inhalation and exhalation
Controlled mandatory ventilation (CMV): Delivers preset tidal volume and frequency
Assist/control (AC): Supports patient breathing with preset parameters, assisting when insufficient

Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV)

APRV is a form of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with two distinct pressure levels.
APRV maintains spontaneous breathing throughout the ventilatory cycle.
APRV is time-triggered, pressure-limited, and time-cycled.

APRV Key Features

Time-triggered: The high and low pressures, and the inspiratory times for each pressure level are set by the clinician.
Pressure-limited: The higher pressure helps keep the alveoli inflated and enhances recruitment.
Time-cycled: The time interval at the higher pressure (Thigh) is longer than the time spent at the lower pressure (Tlow).
Pressure release: The release of pressure from the higher to lower pressure setting helps remove CO2.
Patient triggering: Most ventilators allow patient triggering of a breath (either pressure or flow).

APRV: Clinical Significance

Inflated alveoli: The initial setting of higher pressure maintains inflated alveoli and enhances recruitment.
CO2 removal: The release of pressure between a higher to lower pressure setting helps in the removal of CO2, as the lower pressure interval is established using the time triggering method.
Mean airway pressure: The higher pressure is typically set above the lower inflection point of the lung's pressure-volume curve, close to the mean airway pressure during pressure-controlled ventilation.
Spontaneous breaths: The patient may or may not receive pressure support while in the spontaneous breathing portion, depending on ventilator settings.

APRV: Additional Features

Some manufacturers offer pressure support during the spontaneous portion at the higher CPAP level.

Automode

Combines pressure and volume support into a single mode.
Delivers mandatory breaths in a time-triggered, pressure-limited, and time-cycled mode when there is no spontaneous effort.
Switches to volume-support ventilation (VSV) with patient-triggered breaths when spontaneous effort is present.

Proportional Assist Ventilation (PAV)

The ventilator proportionally assists the patient's spontaneous ventilation by amplifying the delivered pressure in proportion to the measured inspiratory flow and volume.

Automatic Tube Compensation

Automatically compensates for the resistance of the endotracheal tube, adjusting pressure based on tube size and type.
Eliminates airway resistance.
Active during inspiration and expiration.
Reduces air trapping and intrinsic PEEP.

Additional details

Clinician sets volume targets, PEEP, and pressure limits.
The next breath's inspiratory pressure increases if the tidal volume falls below the target.

Dual Control within-a-Breath

Ventilator switches from pressure-controlled to volume-controlled during inspiration
Starts as a pressure controller, delivering a breath with a pre-set tidal volume target
Ventilator measures the delivered tidal volume and adjusts the pressure
Includes methods for augmentation and volume-assured pressure support

Dual Control Breath-to-Breath

Clinician sets a volume target for each breath
Ventilator delivers pressure-controlled breaths to achieve the desired tidal volume
Operates in pressure support or pressure-controlled mode, with adjustments to the pressure limit

Pressure-Limited Time-Cycled Breaths

Begin with pressure-limited inspiration (pressure increases to a target value)
Inspiration ends after a specified time
Clinician sets a target tidal volume and a maximum pressure
Ventilator delivers a sample breath, calculates airway resistance, and lung compliance
Pressure is automatically adjusted in increments of 1 to 3 cm H₂O to reach the desired volume or until the maximum pressure is reached
If the target volume isn't met, an alarm alerts the clinician
Examples include volume control plus (VC+) and pressure-regulated volume control (PRVC)

Pressure-Limited Flow-Cycled Breaths

Start as pressure-support breaths with a target tidal volume
Inspiration ends when the inspiratory flow falls to a set level
Inspiratory flow rate is tracked

Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV)

IMV allows patients to breathe spontaneously between time-triggered ventilator breaths.
Patients can breathe at the same FO2 and baseline pressure, without needing to trigger a mandatory breath.
Spontaneous breaths can be augmented with pressure support to increase tidal volume and reduce inspiratory work.

Pressure Support

Pressure support augments spontaneous breathing effort with positive pressure.
Patients trigger each breath, and a preset pressure is delivered until flow reaches 10% to 40% of peak inspiratory flow.
Expiration begins with variable flow increasing to maintain desired pressure support.
Figure 3-14: Pressure-time scalar graph for pressure-controlled mode with labels for inspiration, end-expiration/inspiration, pressure plateau, end-inspiration/expiration, end-expiration, inspiratory time, expiratory time, and total cycle time.
Figure 3-15: Scalar presentation of IMV with mechanical and spontaneous breath displays.

Patient Case Notes

Patient is diagnosed with pneumonia in the lower lobe.
Patient is experiencing hypoxia.
Patient's positioning is not specified.

Mechanical Ventilation Modes

A mechanical ventilation mode consists of: a specific breathing pattern, control type and operational algorithms.
Modern ventilators utilize microprocessors for control, increasing available modes and complexity.
Understanding ventilation modes is crucial for matching patient need and ventilation.

Volume-Controlled Ventilation

Clinicians set the breath volume in volume-controlled ventilation.
Pressure varies depending on patient lung compliance and airway resistance.
Delivered volume remains constant despite changes in patient condition.
Volume control allows control over both tidal volume and minute ventilation.

Pressure-Controlled Ventilation

Clinicians set the peak inspiratory pressure in pressure-controlled ventilation.
Volume and minute ventilation vary depending on patient lung compliance and airway resistance.
Pressure remains constant despite changes in patient condition.
Volume and minute ventilation decrease if lung compliance worsens or airway resistance increases.
Pressure control protects the lungs from excessive pressure, reducing risk of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).

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Description

This quiz covers critical information about various alarms in mechanical ventilation, such as apnea, high frequency, and F₂O₂ alarms. Additionally, it discusses the potential hazards and complications associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. Test your knowledge and understanding of these essential topics in respiratory care.