Vent Management

Question 1

Initial ventilator settings for most intubated patients should deliver a tidal volume of ____________________

Answer 1

6–8 mL/kg of ideal body weight.

Question 2

Initial vent rate should be set at ______________ breaths per minute

Answer 2

12–14 breaths per minute

Question 3

What is PEEP and what should the initial settings be on the non-asthmatic patient?

Answer 3

PEEP is a way to maintain positive pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration.

It is generally set at 5 cm H₂O.

Question 4

Mechanical Ventilation

Pulmonary contusion

Answer 4

low TV

Question 5

Mechanical Ventilation

Asthma/COPD

Answer 5

low TV, low RR, decrease I:E ratio

Question 6

Mechanical Ventilation

Asthma/COPD

Answer 6

low TV, low RR, decrease I:E ratio

Question 7

Mechanical Ventilation

Neonates

Answer 7

pressure controlled ventilation

Question 8

Mechanical Ventilation

Acidosis

Answer 8

high RR

Question 9

Mechanical Ventilation

Acidosis

Answer 9

high RR

Question 10

What important ventilator setting needs to be adjusted during post-intubation care of an asthmatic patient?

Answer 10

The inspiratory:expiratory ratio needs to be adjusted to allow for increased expiratory time; for instance, an I:E ratio of 1:3 or 1:4 would be appropriate.