title: Mechanical ventilation in adults who need respiratory assistance.
abstract: In the care of postoperative, acutely ill, or traumatically injured patients, hypoxemia and acute respiratory acidosis are commonly encountered life-threatening conditions that require intervention, often via mechanical ventilation. Knowing the indications for initiation of mechanical ventilation in adult patients, the various modes available, and the protocols for weaning and liberation will enable PAs to appropriately evaluate and treat these patients.
authors.affiliation: Section of Trauma, Burns, and Surgical Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, USA.
authors.forename: Richard G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Winters
authors.forename: Donald A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Reiff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*