Terminology
Ventilator Settings
Care Expectations and Assessment
Weaning and Complications
100

Volume of air set to be delivered with each breath

Tidal Volume (Vt - weight based)

100

provided settings: IPAP or driving pressure

hint: utilized for weaning

Pressure Support

100

Oral care should be completed on all ventilated patients or patients receiving Respiratory Support at this interval 

Every 4 hours

100

These setting changes are likely to be ordered with the following ABG results: 

Current Settings:               Current ABG:

FiO2: 100%                       pH:7.42       

Peep:8                              PaO2:132

RR: 16                              PCo2:43

Decreased FiO2

200

This is the highest pressure recorded during inspiration

Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP- less than 35)

200

Settings given: Vt, RR, Fio2

This is often used as a lung protective mode

Volume Control 

200

The appropriate care actions included in the VAP bundle are (6) 

1)Compliance with oral care  (2)  HOB greater than 30 degrees (3) Early mobility (4) early parenteral nutrition (5) minimize sedation/regular sedation vacations (6) proper care and maintenance of the ventilator circuit and machine

200

In weaning patients from the ventilator, a set of values referred to as "breathing mechanics" is obtained to ensure muscular and respiratory capacity and readiness to separate from the ventilator. These mechanics include what values? (2)

Tidal volume ( Vt)

Negative Inspiratory Force (NIF)

300

This constant amount of pressure is applied throughout expiration with the goal of keeping the alveoli open contributing to alveolar recruitment and improved gas exchange 

PEEP Positive End Expiratory Pressure (5-20 cm H2O)

300

Settings Given: Vt, RR, FiO2, PEEP

In this setting the patient will receive the full set tidal volume with every breathe, even with spontaneous breaths.  

Assist Control (AC,VC)

Can create issues if the patient is breathing over the vent frequently or tachypneic

" in assist control we assist each breath"

300

This two-part process is utilized to gauge readiness for ventilator liberation by assessing responsiveness, basic neurological status and respiratory capability.  

SAT/ SBT

300

Scenario: Your patient has been off sedation for around 30 mins. RT places them on PS for a SBT. A few mins later, a series of apnea alarms is heard. The appropriate action is:

Place the patient back on original ventilator setting. Document a failed SBT and plan for a repeat SBT with provider and RT

400

This static pressure is measured at the end of a full breath during mechanical ventilation. This value is an indicator of lung compliance.

Plateau Pressure (Pplat- less than 30)

400

settings given: Vt, RR, FiO2, PEEP

When patient takes a spontaneous breath, they will pull just the volume they are breathing in without extra support from the ventilator

SIMV

- asynchronous respiratory patterns possible

- used in weaning or often in the OR 

400

Often noted in patients with persistent or thick secretions, a high-pressure alarm with a low volume alarm and elevated Plateau Pressure can be indicators of this complication.

A Mucus Plug, Kink or blockage in the circuit 

400

Current Vent Settings:               Most Recent ABG:

FiO2: 65%                                 pH:7.48

PEEP:8                                      PaO2:92

RR:24                                       Co2:35

Decrease Respiratory rate

Decrease FiO2

500

This setting is utilized during the weaning process and with other respiratory support devices giving the patient an extra push of air to support spontaneous respiration. Often this is described as helping the patient to overcome the work required to take spontaneous breaths through the circuit tubing.

Pressure Support (5-20 mmHg)

500

These supportive modes are often utilized in hypoxic or hypercarbic respiratory scenarios in an effort to provide positive pressure ventilatory support while preventing or prolonging the need for intubation.  

Positive Pressure Ventilation via BiPap or CPAP

500

Per Policy, a ventilator order must include these listed parameters and details(7)

1) Time of order 2)Ordered Mode 3)Ordered Rate

4) Ordered Tidal Volume 5)Order Pressure Support

6)Ordered Peep 7)Ordered FIo2

500

A nurse is caring for a patient on SIMV with the following settings: FiO2 70% RR 18 PEEP 8 Vt 450. On assessment, the nurse notes that the patient is breathing 28BPM with low tidal volumes with spontaneous breaths and increased work of breathing. The nurse also notes increasing PIPs but no indications of a mucus plug or blockage. The patient is adequately sedated. The nurse should anticipate an order for this type of medication.

An order for paralytics

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