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What is a Ventilator and When it is Needed?

What is the Meaning of a Ventilator?

What are the Types of Ventilators?

How Does a Ventilator Work?

Why Would You Need a Ventilator?

What Kind of Care Does a Person Need When on a Ventilator?

Many staff members, such as providers, nurses, and respiratory therapists, follow a person in the hospital on a ventilator. Holistic care of a mechanically ventilated patient will ensure his/her safety and well-being. The more important elements of care are as follows:

Care Required Description
Monitoring Vital signs, ventilator settings, and blood gases are monitored for proper functioning of the ventilator and adequate ventilation.
Ventilator Management Changing ventilator settings as appropriate based on the patient's respiratory status and responses.
Airway Management Maintaining a patent airway with the endotracheal tube/tracheostomy tube properly placed and secure.
Hygiene and Comfort Frequent oral care is needed to prevent infections, suctioning is needed to remove secretions, and frequent turning/repositioning is needed to prevent pressure ulcers and enhance comfort.
Nutritional Support Adequate nutrition is provided via enteral feeding if the patient cannot take food orally.
Infection Prevention Strict infection control measures are taken to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia and other infections.
Emotional Support Psychological support and communication are provided. Most patients on a mechanical ventilator become anxious or isolated.

All these aspects are managed by the care team involving doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists.

What are the Risks of Being on a Ventilator?

Although a ventilator is a life-saving device, it has potential side effects. You might notice these side effects if you are on a ventilator for a long time. Here are some of the common risks:

Risks Description
Infections One of the major risks if you are on ventilation with a breathing tube is infection. Mucus and fluid in your throat and windpipe allow bacteria and germs inside the breathing tube. These then travel to your respiratory system, causing pneumonia or sinusitis.
Irritations As doctors insert the breathing tube inside your throat, it rubs against it, irritating. You might also find it difficult to cough, which otherwise allows you to get rid of the dust inside your lungs.
Blood Clots/Bedsores If you are lying in the same position for a longer time, it increases the chances of blood clots.
Delirium This happens due to several medications that are given to you while you are on a ventilator. Delirium can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, too.
Issues With Vocal Cord A breathing tube that passes through the larynx or your vocal cord can cause infection in your voice box.
Pneumothorax When air leaks from your lungs into the chest walls, it causes shortness of breath, pain, and lung collapse.

So now you know what a ventilator does and its uses, too. If any of your loved ones are under ventilation, be supportive and help them to ease their anxiety and fear. Additionally, you must ask all those who are visiting to wash their hands properly and wear face masks. The most important activity when you or anyone is under ventilation is to rest. The more the patient rests and avoids talking, the faster recovery will be.

FAQs about Ventilators