Scribd
Upload
9 views5 pages

Mechanical Ventilator

Caring for a patient on a mechanical ventilator requires close monitoring of respiratory parameters, appropriate ventilator settings, and ensuring patient comfort through sedation and hygiene. Key practices include preventing ventilator-associated complications, providing nutritional support, and addressing psychosocial needs. Effective communication with both the patient and their family is essential for emotional support and understanding of the treatment process.

Uploaded by

Neethupaul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views5 pages

Mechanical Ventilator

Caring for a patient on a mechanical ventilator requires close monitoring of respiratory parameters, appropriate ventilator settings, and ensuring patient comfort through sedation and hygiene. Key practices include preventing ventilator-associated complications, providing nutritional support, and addressing psychosocial needs. Effective communication with both the patient and their family is essential for emotional support and understanding of the treatment process.

Uploaded by

Neethupaul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

MECHANICAL VENTILATOR

Caring for a patient on a mechanical ventilator involves close monitoring, ongoing


assessment, and various interventions to ensure the patient’s safety, comfort, and respiratory
support. Here are key components of care:
1. Monitoring and Assessment:
 Respiratory Parameters:
 Tidal volume (VT): Ensure it's set appropriately for the patient’s lung size
and condition.
 Respiratory rate (RR): Ensure this is consistent with the patient’s needs.
 Oxygenation (FiO2 and SpO2): Adjust FiO2 to maintain oxygen saturation
levels typically between 92-98%.
 PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure): This helps keep alveoli open,
preventing atelectasis.
 Ventilator Mode: Adjust based on the patient’s condition (e.g., assist-control,
pressure support, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation).
 End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2): Use to assess ventilation efficiency and the
patient’s respiratory status.
 ABG (Arterial Blood Gas): Regularly monitor ABG to assess oxygenation,
ventilation, and acid-base status.
 Chest X-ray: To assess lung condition and placement of the endotracheal tube.
2. Ventilator Settings and Adjustments:
 Volume-Controlled or Pressure-Controlled Ventilation: Depending on the
patient’s condition (e.g., ARDS may benefit from pressure-controlled modes to avoid
barotrauma).
 Weaning Parameters: Gradually reduce ventilator support when the patient is ready
to breathe independently, monitoring for signs of distress or fatigue.
 Suctioning: Keep the airways clear from secretions by suctioning the endotracheal
tube or tracheostomy tube as needed to prevent obstruction and infection.
3. Patient Comfort and Sedation:
 Sedation and Analgesia: Most patients on a mechanical ventilator require sedation
(e.g., propofol, fentanyl) to prevent discomfort, anxiety, or agitation. Ensure adequate
sedation levels with frequent assessments.
 Paralytics: In some cases, (e.g., severe ARDS or during surgical procedures),
neuromuscular blockers might be used. Continuous monitoring is required to prevent
complications like prolonged paralysis.
 Oral Care: Regular oral hygiene to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
Use chlorhexidine mouthwash or swabs.
 Positioning: Ensure the patient is positioned to optimize lung expansion and reduce
pressure sores. Turn every 2 hours or as needed.
4. Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Complications:
 Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Prevention:
 Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
 Maintain adequate humidification of the ventilator circuit.
 Use closed suction systems.
 Regularly assess the need for antibiotics and early removal of the ventilator.
 Barotrauma and Volutrauma: Monitor for signs of trauma to the lungs such as
pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, or pulmonary haemorrhage. Keep airway
pressures within safe limits.
5. Nutritional Support:
 Enteral Nutrition: Ensure adequate nutrition, as mechanical ventilation increases
metabolic demand.
 Monitoring for Gastric Distention or Aspiration: Check for signs of intolerance to
enteral feeding and maintain gastric ph.
6. Psychosocial and Communication Needs:
 Communication: Patients on mechanical ventilation are unable to speak. Use
alternative methods (e.g., writing boards, gestures, or communication devices) to
assess needs and provide comfort.
 Emotional Support: Ventilated patients often feel anxiety, isolation, and frustration.
Providing emotional support and keeping the patient informed is crucial.
7. Daily Care and Hygiene:
 Ventilator Circuit and Tube Care: Change ventilator circuits and filters as per
protocols. Check for leaks or kinks in the tubing.
 Endotracheal or Tracheostomy Care: Regular inspection for signs of infection,
patency, and correct placement. Suction when necessary to prevent clogging.
8. Weaning Process:
 Assess Readiness for Extubation: Gradual weaning is important and involves
assessing the patient’s ability to maintain oxygen levels, clear secretions, and breathe
effectively on their own.
 Spontaneous Breathing Trials (SBT): These are often used to assess whether a
patient can be extubate.
 Extubation Protocol: Once the patient is stable, ensure all necessary steps are taken
for safe extubation, and monitor closely for re-intubation.
9. Emergency Situations:
 Ventilator Alarm Management: Be familiar with the various alarm types (e.g., high-
pressure, low-pressure, low tidal volume) and how to address them.
 Failed Extubation or Respiratory Distress: Be prepared for reintubation if the
patient cannot maintain oxygenation or ventilation after extubation.
10. Family Communication:
 Involve Family: Keep the family updated on the patient's condition, treatment plan,
and expected recovery course.
 Emotional Support for Family: Ventilated patients can be critically ill, and family
members may experience high levels of anxiety and distress.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy