Mechanical Ventilation

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Air (including oxygen) is intermittently pushed into the airways using +ve pressure to replicate expiration, followed by no (or lower) pressure to allow passive expiration.

Question 2

What 2 routes are used to mechanically ventilate a patient?

Answer 2

Endotracheal tube

Tracheostomy - look up

Question 3

Indications:

Why is it done?

When is it commonly done?

Under what GCS is it done?

Answer 3

If the patient is unable to maintain airway oxygenation or ventilation by less invasive means

In general anaesthesia - using an endotracheal tube

GCS<8