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Bedside Assessment of the Respiratory System During Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
Lorenzo Giosa1,2, Patrick D Collins1,2, Sridevi Shetty1
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, UK.
Abstract:
Assessing the respiratory system of a patient receiving mechanical ventilation is complex. We provide an overview of an approach at the bedside underpinned by physiology. We discuss the importance of distinguishing between extensive and intensive ventilatory variables. We outline methods to evaluate both passive patients and those making spontaneous respiratory efforts during assisted ventilation. We believe a comprehensive assessment can influence setting mechanical ventilatory support to achieve lung and diaphragm protective ventilation.
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