RESP 2161 - Mechanical Ventilation

Course Description

This course is intended for individuals interested in enhancing their understanding of the clinical applications of mechanical ventilation. The course is designed to meet two objectives: to reinforce the core components of mechanical ventilation and to address advances in ventilatory care.

Learning outcomes

• Define the basic terms and concepts of mechanical ventilation.
• Describe the physical aspects of mechanical ventilation.
• Describe the use, types, and characteristics of monitoring devices.
• Describe the physiological effects and complications of positive pressure ventilation.
• Describe the indications of mechanical ventilation.
• Identify initial parameters, settings, and special issues associated with ventilator setup.
• Outline the steps of patient assessment and identify methods to improve ventilation and oxygenation.
• Outline patient related issues in relation to airways, circuit changes, medications, and patient positioning, and describe problem solving and troubleshooting techniques related to mechanical ventilation.
• Describe the considerations and methods of weaning and discontinuation from mechanical ventilation.
• Describe the special considerations in providing ventilator support for newborns, pediatric patients, and in-home patients.
• Outline the special techniques involved in ventilatory support.

Course topics

• Module A: Basic Terms and Concepts of Mechanical Ventilation
• Module B: Physical Aspects of Mechanical Ventilation
• Module C: Establishing the Need for Mechanical Ventilation
• Module D: Selecting the Ventilator and the Mode
• Module E: Initial Ventilator Settings and Final Considerations in Ventilator Setup
• Module F: Initial Patient Assessment and Methods to Improve Ventilation
• Module G: Methods to Improve Oxygenation
• Module H: Ventilator Graphics
• Module I: Physiological Effects and Complications of Positive Pressure Ventilation
• Module J: Troubleshooting and Problem Solving
• Module K: Weaning and Discontinuation from Mechanical Ventilation
• Module L: Neonatal and Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation
• Module M: Special Techniques in Ventilatory Support
• Module N: Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation

Required text and materials

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

• Cairo, J.M. (2024). Pilbeam’s Mechanical Ventilation: Physiological and Clinical Applications (8th ed.). Elsevier Mosby. 
  Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323871648 / 9780323871655

Note: This item can be purchased directly from the following VitalSource link. 

Assessments

To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the Mandatory Final Exam.

Students applying this course towards any TRU or other educational institution’s health care program may be required to obtain a minimum of 50 or 60% score on the final mandatory examination and 60% overall to meet program requirements. 

Recommended requisite(s)

Students should have a sound knowledge of human anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary systems, blood gas interpretation, and a background in basic science.