Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Mechanical ventilation delivers positive pressure breaths to support gas exchange when the patient cannot maintain adequate ventilation or oxygenation independently. Positive pressure reverses normal physiologic negative-pressure breathing, which impacts hemodynamics (decreased venous return, potential hypotension) and requires vigilant monitoring. The nurse must understand ventilator settings (mode, rate, FiO2, PEEP, tidal volume), alarm parameters, and how to rapidly assess and intervene when alarms activate.