Ventilator Settings Made Easy - Mechanical Ventilation (AC, SIMV, FiO2) NCLEX RN & LPN

Summary

This video explains the fundamentals of mechanical ventilation, focusing on ventilator settings and safety measures. It discusses positive pressure ventilation (PPV), how it differs from normal breathing, and potential complications like barotrauma and pneumothorax. Key ventilator procedures are also covered, such as suctioning techniques, with emphasis on best practices: suctioning only on the way out, limiting suction duration to 10 seconds, and providing 100% oxygen before suctioning. The video aims to help viewers prepare for exams by outlining essential concepts in mechanical ventilation and respiratory care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mechanical ventilation involves a machine that delivers breaths to a patient, working like an air pump for the lungs.
• 😀 Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) pushes air into the lungs, contrasting with normal breathing, which uses negative pressure.
• 😀 PPV carries risks, such as lung trauma (barotrauma) due to overinflation, and in severe cases, can cause a pneumothorax (popped lung).
• 😀 Suctioning is a high-risk procedure, with potential for trauma, bleeding, and hypoxia, and should only be performed when necessary.
• 😀 The correct suctioning technique is to always suction out, never in, with the catheter inserted into the airway.
• 😀 Suctioning should be completed in 10 seconds or less to reduce the risk of complications.
• 😀 Always provide 100% oxygen to the patient for 30 seconds before performing suctioning to ensure adequate oxygen levels.
• 😀 PPV-induced trauma can be minimized by careful management of ventilator settings and pressure levels.
• 😀 Barotrauma is a significant risk with mechanical ventilation; understanding the settings and risks is crucial to patient safety.
• 😀 It’s important to monitor ventilator alarms, modes, and settings during ventilation to avoid complications and maintain patient safety.
• 😀 Review the top tested topics for exams, especially suctioning techniques, ventilator settings, and their associated risks to ensure mastery.

Q & A

What is mechanical ventilation?

Mechanical ventilation refers to using a machine (ventilator) to assist or replace a patient's normal breathing by pushing air into the lungs, rather than relying on the natural negative pressure that occurs during normal breathing.

How does positive pressure ventilation (PPV) differ from normal breathing?

In normal breathing, negative pressure in the diaphragm and lungs helps draw air into the lungs. In positive pressure ventilation (PPV), air is forced into the lungs under pressure, which can be dangerous if not properly controlled.

What is the primary risk associated with positive pressure ventilation (PPV)?

The primary risk of PPV is barotrauma, which occurs when excessive pressure causes damage to the lungs. In severe cases, this can lead to a pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung.

What is barotrauma?

Barotrauma is lung damage caused by overinflation due to excessive pressure during ventilation. This can lead to conditions like a pneumothorax, where the lung collapses.

What is a pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax, also known as a popped lung, is a condition where a lung collapses, often due to excessive pressure from mechanical ventilation or other causes.

What is the importance of suctioning in mechanical ventilation?

Suctioning is important to clear secretions or blockages in the airway, but it should be done cautiously to avoid risks like trauma, bleeding, and hypoxia (low oxygen levels).

What are the key safety guidelines for suctioning during mechanical ventilation?

The key guidelines for suctioning are: 1) Suction only on the way out, not while inserting the catheter. 2) Limit suctioning to 10 seconds or less. 3) Provide 100% oxygen for 30 seconds before suctioning to prevent hypoxia.

Why should suctioning never be done while inserting the catheter?

Suctioning should only be performed while withdrawing the catheter to prevent trauma to the airway and to avoid excessive pressure that can damage the tissues.

What is the maximum recommended duration for suctioning?

The maximum recommended duration for suctioning is 10 seconds to minimize the risk of hypoxia and airway damage.

Why is it important to provide 100% oxygen before suctioning?

Providing 100% oxygen for 30 seconds before suctioning helps prevent hypoxia (low oxygen levels) during the procedure, ensuring the patient maintains adequate oxygen saturation.