Amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, frontline nurses, who tirelessly apply their expertise and knowledge to enhance patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs), must comprehensively understand ventilators. Given the variety of ventilators, each produced by different manufacturers and featuring distinct operational protocols, navigating their use can be challenging for nurses. This complexity often leads to confusion regarding the functionality and setup of these critical devices in a clinical setting. This article aims to clarify and provide a general overview of common ventilator setups and operating principles, specifically tailored for nurses. This article aims to explain or clarify ventilator technology, thereby empowering nurses with the knowledge and confidence needed to manage ventilatory support effectively for their patients.
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