Mechanical Ventilation

Introduction

Mechanical ventilation is a medical intervention that is used when a

person is unable to breathe adequately or unassisted. It involves the use
of a machine to deliver oxygen to the lungs and remove carbon dioxide
from the body. The purpose of mechanical ventilation is to provide
respiratory support and prevent respiratory failure. This paper will
examine the concept of mechanical ventilation, including its indications,
types, and complications.

Indications for Mechanical Ventilation

The primary indication for mechanical ventilation is respiratory failure,

which can result from a variety of underlying conditions, including
neuromuscular diseases, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS), and trauma. Other indications for mechanical
ventilation include chest wall abnormalities, acute exacerbations of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and postoperative
respiratory distress.

Types of Mechanical Ventilation

There are two main types of mechanical ventilation: invasive and non-
invasive. Invasive mechanical ventilation involves inserting a tube
through the patient’s mouth or nose and down into their trachea. This
requires the patient to be sedated and can lead to complications such as
pneumonia, airway injury, and ventilator-associated lung injury. In
contrast, non-invasive mechanical ventilation delivers oxygen through a
mask or nasal prongs. This is a less invasive option and may be used in
patients with milder respiratory failure.

Modes of Mechanical Ventilation

There are various modes of mechanical ventilation, which vary in the

amount of support provided to the patient. The most basic mode is
assist-control ventilation, which delivers a set tidal volume with every
breath and can be triggered either by the patient’s own breathing or by a
set rate. Other modes include pressure support ventilation, which
delivers a constant pressure during inspiration, and synchronized
intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV), which allows the patient to
breathe spontaneously between set breaths delivered by the machine.

Complications of Mechanical Ventilation

There are several potential complications associated with mechanical

ventilation, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP),
barotrauma, and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). VAP occurs
when bacteria colonize the artificial airway and cause infection.
Barotrauma can result from overly aggressive mechanical ventilation
and can include pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, and
pneumomediastinum. VILI occurs when mechanical ventilation inflates
the lungs beyond their normal capacity and can lead to inflammation
and damage to lung tissue.
Monitoring and Management of Mechanical
Ventilation

Patients on mechanical ventilation require close monitoring to ensure

that the ventilator is functioning correctly and is meeting their
respiratory needs. Factors that should be monitored include oxygen
saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide levels, and respiratory rate. Patients
may also require sedation and analgesia to ensure that they are
comfortable and to prevent complications such as ventilator-induced
delirium.

Conclusion

Mechanical ventilation is an important intervention for patients with

respiratory failure. It can be used in a variety of settings and can be
delivered invasively or non-invasively. However, mechanical
ventilation also has potential complications, and patients require close
monitoring and management to mitigate these risks. Nurses and other
healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about mechanical
ventilation and its potential complications to provide safe and effective
care to patients who require mechanical respiratory support.