Ventilator weaning is the process of gradually decreasing the ventilator support. The timing of weaning is extremely crucial. Delayed weaning may cause ventilator-induced lung injury, pneumonia, or diaphragmatic dysfunction, while premature weaning may lead to airway loss, defective gas exchange, aspiration, and respiratory muscle fatigue.
Spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) estimates the patient's ability to breathe while receiving no or minimal mechanical ventilation. Successful SBT is assessed using the following parameters: ● Improvement of gas exchange and mental status ● Neuromuscular functional assessment ● Radiographic assessment. Take this short quiz on mechanical ventilation to test your knowledge.