We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Mode of Ventilation?

By M. DePietro
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,740
Share

In order to choose the best mode of ventilation, it is essential to consider the patient’s underlying medical condition, level of consciousness, and type of ventilator being used. Because modes of ventilation are usually adjusted according to the patient’s response, ongoing patient assessments also need to be completed. The mode of ventilation can also be changed after obtaining an arterial blood gas, which helps gauge the person’s physical response to the ventilator.

The type of ventilator being used must be considered. Many types of ventilators can provide several modes of ventilation to choose from, such as assist control, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV), and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Not all ventilators will have options for all modes. For instance, portable ventilators may have fewer options, as they are usually used short term for transports. A home ventilator, which is intended for long-term use, may also not have all modes available.

Modes provide different levels of support and may deliver either a set volume of air or a set pressure into the lungs. With a set pressure delivered, volumes may change. When a set volume is delivered, pressure may change with each breath. When selecting the best mode of ventilation, it’s important to consider what needs to be controlled more, lung pressure or volume of air going in the lungs.

Depending on the mode of ventilation used, various ventilator settings will need to be initiated. Oxygen level is set with all modes of ventilation. In certain modes, a respiratory rate is also set. The speed at which the inspiratory portion of the breath is delivered can also be set.

The patient’s level of consciousness should also be a factor in selecting the best mode of ventilation. Some modes make it more comfortable for a patient to breathe when he is completely awake. If a patient is unable to breathe on his own, a mode that provides full support is needed. Modes such as SIMV can also be selected where the machine delivers set breaths, but the patient also initiates some breaths on his own. This mode may be best if a patient is not fully awake, but not completely comatose or sedated either.

When a patient is more awake and initiating breaths on his own, a mode such as CPAP should be considered. During CPAP mode of ventilation, a set number of breaths is not delivered. The patient is doing all the breathing on his own. Only a set level of pressure support and oxygen is delivered. CPAP is often used when a patient is being weaned from a ventilator.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-mode-of-ventilation.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.