- Rates of 8-12 are appropriate for adults; - 20-25 for newborns - 15-20 for small children. - w/ high pCO2: must increase @TechImPOxGna[
Minute Vol; (always ensure that ventilator is functioning properly, esp check for a leak around the cuff of the endotracheal tube or in ventilatory tube, or connections, or if the endotracheal tube has become dislodged - (Check Breath sounds / chest expansion); - if
tidal volume is already at the upper limits of suggested range, or if
peak inspiratory pressures are high ( > 60), or if there is prominent chest expansion w/ each breath, one would be inclined to increase
rate rather than volume. - if rate is already at the upper limits of range, or if
peak inspiratory pressures are low, and if chest expansion w/ each breath is not marked,
tidal volume may be safely increased. - w/ Low pCO2: must decrease
Minute Vol (note: mild
respiratory alkalosis is desirable, and usually minute ventilation is not decrease unless pCO2 < 30 mm Hg) - decr min. volume may occur by decr
rate or
tidal volume.
