INTRODUCTION

Mechanical ventilation is a cornerstone of critical care and a major component of life-support. Even so, complications of mechanical ventilation range from subtle and not well-understood to life-threatening and widely recognized. Critical care nurses working in virtually every subspecialty encounter the challenge and fascination posed by caring for ventilated patients. In order to maximize effectiveness as a patient advocate and participate actively in collaborating with other members of the health care team, critical care nurses are required to have an extensive knowledge base related to mechanical ventilation.

In this seminar, topics presented represent recent research findings and cutting-edge information related to ventilator technology and the effects of mechanical ventilation on organ systems. Designed specifically for the experienced critical care nurse, presentations go beyond the ordinary and discuss such newly recognized challenges as pulmonary/renal interaction and ischemia of abdominal organs caused by mechanical ventilation. Others represent important research-based suggestions for practice, such as ventilator management of patients with acute brain-injury and selection of a subset of ARDS patients for ventilation with high levels of PEEP.

Extensive handouts are provided, and participants are given opportunities to ask questions and share clinical situations from their own bedside experience. The intent throughout the day is to provide practicing critical care nurses with new information and recent research findings that will assist them in maximizing benefits and minimizing risks when caring for complex, critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Please join us at our newest seminar presented by Barbara Clark Mims.

TARGET AUDIENCE

 Provider approved by:

  California Board of
 Registered Nursing

    CEP 6910