REMEMBER : Always discuss all aspects of respiratory care with the respiratory therapist, the resident, the nurse and the attending physician.
The physician should always order :
orders for initiation of mechanical ventilation to include :
type of ventilation : VCV vs. PCV vs. PRVC
mode of ventilation : full vs. partial vs. minimal ventilatory support (aka AC vs. SIMV vs. PSV)
RRset : 6 vs. 10 vs. 16
Vt(set) : 6ml/kg vs. 8ml/kg vs. 10ml/kg vs. 12ml/kg (and PBW(-predicted body weight) vs. IBW(ideal body weight) vs. actual weight)
alternatively to Vt(set), dP(set) : dP=30
alternatively to Vt(set), Time(inspiratory) : T(inspir) =2sec
FiO2 : 100% vs. 30% & appropriate PEEP (suggested=14cmH2O).
PEEP : 14cmH2O.
Pressure Support : targeted for tidal volume ~ 5ml/kg.