The role of the nurse in mechanical ventilation

Many patients admitted onto the intensive care unit (ICU) require airway maintenance and mechanical ventilator support (Cook et al, 2011). It is important that all qualified nurses working in critical care environments understand the indications for the use of mechanical ventilation, the modes of ventilation delivery, and the most common associated complications. Mechanical ventilators assist the movement of gases (air) into and out of a patient's lungs, while minimizing the effort of breathing (Scholz et al, 2011). Indicators for the use of mechanical ventilation include the maintenance of oxygenation, the management of type I reparatory failure, the removal of carbon dioxide, the management of type II respiratory failure, cardiorespiratory arrest and central nervous system depression (Oh et al, 2008).