Ventilator Basics for Nursing Students: Easy Guide

 A ventilator is a machine that helps a patient breathe when they are unable to breathe adequately on their own. It is commonly used in ICUs, emergency units, and during surgery.

Why is a ventilator needed?

• Severe respiratory distress

• Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)

• Respiratory failure

• After major surgery

• Conditions like pneumonia, ARDS, or coma

How does a ventilator work?

The ventilator delivers oxygen-rich air into the lungs and helps remove carbon dioxide. It is usually connected through:

• Endotracheal tube (ET tube) or

• Tracheostomy tube

Common ventilator modes (basic)

• Assist Control (AC): Ventilator gives full support

• SIMV: Patient can breathe on their own between machine breaths

• CPAP: Continuous pressure to keep airways open

Nursing responsibilities

• Monitor vital signs and oxygen saturation

• Check ventilator settings and alarms

• Maintain airway care and suctioning

• Prevent infection (oral care, hand hygiene)

• Observe for complications like lung injury or infection

Key point

A ventilator supports breathing but does not cure the disease. Proper nursing care is essential for patient safety and recovery.

VENTILATOR MODES 

Mode	Full Form	How it Works	Main Use / Key Point
AC	Assist Control	Ventilator gives a fixed breath even if patient initiates	Used in very sick patients; full support
VC	Volume Control	Delivers a set tidal volume	Ensures consistent air volume
PC	Pressure Control	Delivers air at set pressure	Prevents lung injury
SIMV	Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation	Mandatory breaths + patient’s own breaths	Used during weaning
PSV	Pressure Support Ventilation	Supports patient-initiated breaths	Reduces work of breathing
CPAP	Continuous Positive Airway Pressure	Constant pressure during breathing	Keeps airways open
BiPAP	Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure	Two pressure levels (IPAP & EPAP)	Used in COPD, sleep apnea
PEEP	Positive End-Expiratory Pressure	Pressure at end of expiration	Prevents alveolar collapse

Easy Memory Tip 🧠

AC = Full support
SIMV + PSV = Weaning modes
CPAP/BiPAP = Non-invasive support

Exam-Oriented MCQs on Ventilator (For Nursing Students)

1. A ventilator is mainly used to:

A. Increase heart rate
B. Assist or replace breathing
C. Improve kidney function
D. Reduce fever
Answer: B

2. Which ventilator mode provides full ventilatory support?

A. SIMV
B. CPAP
C. Assist Control (AC)
D. PSV
Answer: C

3. SIMV mode is most commonly used for:

A. Emergency resuscitation
B. Complete respiratory failure
C. Weaning from ventilator
D. Cardiac arrest
Answer: C

4. CPAP mainly helps by:

A. Increasing respiratory rate
B. Keeping alveoli open
C. Delivering fixed tidal volume
D. Reducing CO₂ removal
Answer: B

5. Which mode supports only patient-initiated breaths?

A. AC
B. SIMV
C. PSV
D. VC
Answer: C

6. PEEP is used to:

A. Increase heart output
B. Prevent alveolar collapse
C. Reduce oxygen demand
D. Stop spontaneous breathing
Answer: B

7. Which ventilator mode is non-invasive?

A. AC
B. SIMV
C. BiPAP
D. VC
Answer: C

8. Normal oxygen saturation (SpO₂) in ventilated patients should be:

A. 70–80%
B. 80–85%
C. 90–100%
D. 100–110%
Answer: C

9. Endotracheal tube is used to:

A. Feed the patient
B. Measure BP
C. Maintain airway for ventilation
D. Give IV drugs
Answer: C

10. A common complication of mechanical ventilation is:

A. Hypoglycemia
B. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
C. Anemia
D. Hypertension
Answer: B

11. Pressure Control mode is preferred to:

A. Increase tidal volume
B. Prevent lung injury
C. Reduce oxygen level
D. Stop patient breathing
Answer: B

12. Which nursing action is MOST important in ventilated patients?

A. Giving oral feeds
B. Regular oral care
C. Checking blood sugar only
D. Removing ET tube
Answer: B