Eugene Mondor: "Foundational Aspects of Mechanical Ventilation"

Critical Care Nurses are assuming greater responsibility in management and care of patients receiving mechanical ventilation. This session focuses on the foundational aspects of mechanical ventilation that is essential for every Critical Care Nurse to know and understand. How the mechanical ventilator delivers breaths (volume vs. pressure), compliance and resistance, ventilator settings, peak and plateau pressures, and initiating mechanical ventilation, are highlighted. Current best practice strategies for ventilating the adult patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), will also be reviewed. This session aims to assist Critical Care Nurses to become more familiar with mechanical ventilation, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.