Biomaterial Database

Ventilator technology: safety and comfort for patients? 1997

J Fawcett

Intensive Care Unit, York District Hospital.

Safety and comfort aspects of mechanical ventilation using advanced microprocessor ventilators are discussed. The significance of some of the ventilator observations made, both digital and waveform, is highlighted. Readers are encouraged to experience for themselves the trigger mechanisms available on the ventilators they use. This article combines theoretical information and direct reference to the Nellcor Puritan Bennett 7200 Series microprocessor ventilator, but many of the principles described can be applied to other microprocessor ventilators with flow triggers and waveform options. Nurses are encouraged to find out how this information relates to the ventilators they use.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D012121	Respiration, Artificial	Any method of artificial breathing that employs mechanical or non-mechanical means to force the air into and out of the lungs. Artificial respiration or ventilation is used in individuals who have stopped breathing or have RESPIRATORY INSUFFICIENCY to increase their intake of oxygen (O2) and excretion of carbon dioxide (CO2).	Ventilation, Mechanical,Mechanical Ventilation,Artificial Respiration,Artificial Respirations,Mechanical Ventilations,Respirations, Artificial,Ventilations, Mechanical
D003422	Critical Care	Health care provided to a critically ill patient during a medical emergency or crisis.	Intensive Care,Intensive Care, Surgical,Surgical Intensive Care,Care, Critical,Care, Intensive,Care, Surgical Intensive
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012449	Safety	Freedom from exposure to danger and protection from the occurrence or risk of injury or loss. It suggests optimal precautions in the workplace, on the street, in the home, etc., and includes personal safety as well as the safety of property.	Safeties
D017060	Patient Satisfaction	The degree to which the individual regards the health care service or product or the manner in which it is delivered by the provider as useful, effective, or beneficial.	Satisfaction, Patient