Mechanical ventilation

Definition

Mechanical ventilation is a medical intervention that uses a machine to assist or replace spontaneous breathing. It is commonly used in patients with severe pulmonary conditions or during surgical procedures requiring anesthesia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mechanical ventilation can be either invasive, using an endotracheal tube, or non-invasive, using masks and other devices.
2. Patients on mechanical ventilation often require specialized nutritional support due to increased metabolic demands and the need for optimal respiratory muscle function.
3. Nutritional strategies for mechanically ventilated patients include monitoring caloric intake, protein levels, and micronutrient balance to prevent malnutrition and promote recovery.
4. Overfeeding can lead to complications such as hypercapnia (elevated CO2 levels) in mechanically ventilated patients.
5. Enteral nutrition is generally preferred over parenteral nutrition in ventilated patients unless contraindicated.

Review Questions

• What are the two types of mechanical ventilation?
• Why is specialized nutritional support crucial for patients on mechanical ventilation?
• How can overfeeding negatively impact mechanically ventilated patients?

Related terms

Endotracheal Tube: A tube inserted through the mouth into the trachea to maintain an open airway and deliver mechanical ventilation.

Hypercapnia: An elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can be a complication in overfed mechanically ventilated patients.

Enteral Nutrition: The delivery of nutrients directly into the stomach or small intestine via a feeding tube.