This document discusses modes of mechanical ventilation. It begins by outlining the aims and objectives, which are to demonstrate essential knowledge of caring for patients requiring ventilation. It then covers indications for ventilation including respiratory failure and neurological or pulmonary impairment.
The two main categories of ventilation modes are volume-targeted and pressure-targeted. Volume modes guarantee minute ventilation but increase risk of barotrauma, while pressure modes have less risk of barotrauma but require monitoring tidal volumes. Mandatory modes provide all breaths while assisted modes allow spontaneous breathing between machine breaths. Settings like PEEP, rates, and inspiration/expiration ratios are also discussed. Potential complications of ventilation like pneumonia, barotrauma, and decreased cardiac output are reviewed