New microprocessor-controlled ventilators are capable of pressure, volume, and time cycling. Positive-pressure ventilators use several modes of operation. With pressure support ventilation, the inspiratory efforts of the patient are augmented with a preset level of pressure supplied by the ventilator. Many commercially available mechanical ventilators are available. All ventilators provide a method of heating and warming the inspired gases delivered to the patient and some monitoring of respiratory function such as exhaled tidal volume and inspiratory pressure.
All ventilators have an alarm system.
The most important of these is the disconnect alarm, used to detect when the ventilator has become disconnected from the patient. It is important that the disconnect alarm be correctly set at all times. Patients receiving positive pressure ventilation require periodic monitoring of arterial blood gases to assess the adequacy of ventilation. There are a number of potential complications of positive pressure ventilation. Regardless of the model and capabilities of the mechanical ventilator being used in the treatment of a patient with inadequate ventilation, there are certain general principles that are basic to the competent care of that patient.