Mechanical ventilation (main)

Background

Categories of Respiratory Failure

Patient Positioning[1]

  • HOB elevation > 30 degrees
  • Reverse trendelenberg at 30 degrees in obese hypoventilaters
  • Lateral decubitus for severe unilateral lung disease
    • Good lung to Ground generally
    • Good lung UP in these exceptions:
      • Massive hemoptysis - prevent blood into dependent, good lung
      • Large abscess - pus fills up dependent lung
      • Unilateral emphysema - prevent hyperinflation

See Also

Mechanical Ventilation Pages

External Links

References

  1. Greenwood J. Good Lung UP or DOWN? Maneuvers to Improve Oxygenation in Acute Respiratory Failure. Updated 7/15/2014. https://umem.org/educational_pearls/2464/.