Normal range: Do not exceed 15–20 cmH2O/L/s Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2)

When choosing a pressure limit setting, it’s important to consider factors such as the client’s age and weight. The pressure limit setting is designed to prevent the overuse of ventilators and can help nurses track how much they are using. Normal range: between 60-90 liters/minute Pressure Limit But if you set it too high, they might get too much oxygen, which can cause them to feel light-headed or dizzy. If you set the inspiratory flow rate too low, your client might need more oxygen. It can be adjusted depending on their needs and their condition. The inspiratory flow rate is a setting on a ventilator used to control the amount of air that gets pushed into a client’s lungs. Normal range: 12–20 breaths per minute Inspiratory Flow Rate On most ventilators, nurses can adjust the respiratory rate by pressing the “Respiratory Rate” button on the device, then using the up or down arrow keys to increase or decrease the number displayed on the screen. The client’s respiratory rate is often used as a marker of their overall level of comfort, so nurses must know how to use this setting on the ventilator. The respiratory rate is a measurement of how many times per minute a person exhales and inhales. It’s a nursing responsibility to be competent in maintaining proper and accurate ventilator settings. In practice, it can be easy to misunderstand certain ventilator settings. Ventilator Settings Explained (with Normal Lab Values)

There are different types of ventilators (with some having more advanced capabilities), such as having the ability to monitor blood gases or CO2 levels. Other Important factors include keeping the client safe and comfortable while operating this life-sustaining device.

Nursing responsibilities include assessing and watching the client’s condition while on a ventilator. As a nurse, it is important to understand and be able to choose the proper settings for ventilation.

Peep settings