Basic Principles of Mechanical Ventilation

Abstract

This OER provides a foundation of mechanical ventilation concepts and basics. By the end, you will understand the basics of ventilation, settings, basic modes, how to initiate ventilator settings, and when and why to make changes based on patient status.

Topics include the following:

What ventilation is and how it affects the lungs. Common ventilator modes and basic ventilator settings. How to set up a ventilator based on patient demographics and their clinical presentation. Blood gas interpretation and how to change the ventilator based on blood gas values. Specific pathophysiologies and how they impact ventilator strategies and settings. Common misconceptions and inappropriate ventilation strategies.