Mechanical Ventilator

A Ventilator is a machine that assists or replaces spontaneous breathing when a resident cannot do so on their own.

Normal Value Ranges

   Oxygen Saturation Level is 92%-99%

   Carbon dioxide Level (Waste Gas is 30-40%)

Each resident is different and they may be below or above the range. Some residents may show different responses.

Why is the Ventilator in Use?

   It helps with Breathing and Muscle Fatigue.

   It prevents Respiratory Failure.

What is Respiratory Failure?

Respiratory Failure is a condition in which there is inadequate gas exchange in the Lung Environment, Blood Oxygen level becomes

   Abnormal due to too much waste gas. (Carbon dioxide)

   Oxygen Level appears to low.

Symptoms of Low Oxygen level are the following:

Bluish Discoloration (CYANOSIS), Confusion, Sleepiness and or Rapid Breathing.

Treatment for Low Oxygen Level/High CarbonDioxide Level

   Ambu bag may be used to temporarily assist ventilation.

    Dislodge the Secretions and to deliver increased amount of Oxygen.

   Suctioning may be used to remove excess secretions.

Suctioning

   Nurses and Respiratory Therapist are trained in suctioning.

   Secretions may not be an indication of suctioning.

   Over suctioning may result in trauma to the air way, bleeding and shortness of breath.

             The goal for each resident is different:

    Weaning the resident off the Ventilator

   Adjusting the Settings of the Ventilator so that the resident is at the minimal setting.

   Decreasing the tracheotomy to a smaller size

   Transferring the resident to another Neighborhood when he /she is stable.  

The Care Team

   Family

   Dining Services

   Nursing (C.N.A, LPN, RN)

   Medical

   Pastoral Services

   Recreation

   Respiratory Therapist

   Social Service

   Nurse Practitioner

   Facilities Management

   Environmental Services

   Neighborhood coordinator

   Volunteers

  Rehabilitation

Resident Care

   Each Resident is unique so that each intervention and goals may be different.

   Meetings can be arranged on a individual basis with the health care team for review the resident's care.  

Sites and Sounds

   The Ventilators are connected to the call bell system.

   The sound of the Ventilator alarm is different from the call bell.

   The staff is trained on the different alarm sounds.

   The Nurses Station is the command center.

   A trained staff member is at the nurses station to alert staff if there is an alarm that requires immediate response.

   High pressure (coughing, secretions and the resident becoming anxious may cause the machine to alarm.)

   Low pressure (disconnection, loose connection, insufficient cuff inflation)

Making Your Visit Meaningful

   Escort your loved one from the room and visit our green house, lobby and recreation suite.

   Decorating their room with pictures and personal items.

   Provide familiar music and sounds.