Ventilator settings question

[tunicaexterna]

Hi all,

If a physician asks you, “what are the ventilator settings?” For a patient, what order should you list/what order should you list them in?

Thanks!

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[lymphocyte]

Hi all,

If a physician asks you, “what are the ventilator settings?” For a patient, what order should you list/what order should you list them in?

Thanks!

It depends. And there is no set order. But as a medical student: Mode/RR/TV/PEEP/PS/FiO2 with TV as mL/PBW. The corresponding ABG is very helpful.

Throw in peak and plateau pressures if relevant.

 

[Mad Jack]

Mode, rate, volume, PEEP, FiO2 for AC/VC.
Mode, rate, volume, PEEP, pressure support, FiO2 for VC SIMV.
Mode, rate, inspiratory pressure, PEEP, FiO2, for AC/PC. Also state average volumes and minute ventilation since these are variable in this mode.

Know peak pressures, plateau pressures, and compliance. Know the most recent ABGs and CXR. Always check tube placement on newly intubated patients.

If you want to be very good, know whether they are taking additional breaths (breathing over the vent) and whether they have had any secretions, and if so what color and consistency. Know whether they have AutoPEEP (air trapping). If you know all of these and combine it with your other data, you can make proper decisions with regard to mechanical ventilation.

If you use other modes just tag me and ask, I just feel like PRVC, APRV, etc are a bit over most students' heads.