title: Understanding mechanical ventilation: indications for and initiation of therapy.
abstract: The growing complexity of mechanical ventilators and the proliferation of new ventilator modes may confuse and intimidate clinicians who on occasion must manage a mechanical ventilator. The fundamental indications for and types of mechanical ventilation are reviewed, and guidelines for basic ventilator settings are provided. By understanding and applying these essentials, the clinician can provide effective mechanical ventilation to most patients who require it. A subsequent article published in this journal will review the related topics of patient monitoring during mechanical ventilation, complications of mechanical ventilation, and weaning from mechanical ventilation.
authors.affiliation: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Department of Medicine, Oklahoma City 73190.
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000628:therapy; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical