This site is intended for healthcare professionals

CPD
CPD
Pro
Pro
Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Control of variables

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The use of a ventilator allows manipulation of:

  • minute volume = tidal volume x respiratory rate
  • inspired oxygen concentration

These then can be varied for different patients - size - and different conditions:

  • e.g. in ARDS where the patient has stiff lungs and difficulty oxygenating blood, then a large tidal volume - 1 litre - is required with a slow respiratory rate - 10-12/minute - and 100% inspired oxygen.
  • e.g. in status asthmaticus with hyperinflated lungs and difficulty breathing, they require small tidal volume - 0.5 litres - and a slow respiratory rate - 12/minute. Also, the expiration time must be at least 50% of the respiratory cycle.

The process of weaning off the ventilator must be gradual.

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.