The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association
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J Okla State Med Assoc · Sep 1994
ReviewUnderstanding mechanical ventilation: patient monitoring, complications, and weaning.
Mechanical ventilation can provide life saving support to critically ill patients with respiratory failure. The implementation of appropriate monitoring techniques and an awareness of potential complications can increase the safety of mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Determining patient suitability for extubation is an inexact science. The physical examination during a spontaneous breathing trial and the use of the rapid shallow breathing index can assist the clinician in the difficult decision as to the timing of extubation.