Hazards of mechanical ventilation--therapeutic implications

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Clinical pharmacy
• Respiratory therapy

Background:

• Positive pressure ventilation is crucial for respiratory support.
• Understanding associated side effects is vital for patient management.
• Pharmacists play a key role in monitoring drug therapy during mechanical ventilation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe side effects and adverse reactions of positive pressure volume cycle ventilators.
• To provide pharmacists with essential information for drug therapy monitoring.
• To review the impact of mechanical ventilation on multiple organ systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on mechanical ventilation and its complications.
• Synthesis of information relevant to clinical pharmacy practice.
• Discussion of drug interactions and adverse events.

Main Results:

• Mechanical ventilation affects pulmonary and blood gases, infection risk, cardiovascular status, renal-fluid balance, and metabolism.
• Central nervous system, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems can also be impacted.
• Inhalation drug use and discontinuance of ventilation present specific considerations.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists require comprehensive knowledge of mechanical ventilation's effects to optimize patient drug therapy.
• Proactive monitoring can mitigate adverse events associated with ventilator use.
• This information aids in improving patient outcomes in critical care settings.