Weaning from mechanical ventilation

Abstract

Determine when a patient is ready to begin the weaning process, based on clinical history, physical examination, and routine laboratory data. Use bedside weaning parameters to predict weaning outcome. Postulate a differential diagnosis of common and uncommon causes of weaning failure. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various weaning techniques. Realize that certain techniques, such as noninvasive ventilation after extubation and daily interruption of sedatives, can increase your likelihood of liberating the patient from mechanical ventilation. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.