Course ID: FQUEWU406
Course Name: Nursing Care Management of the Patient Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Credits: 2

This two-contact hour home-study continuing education program will provide a review of mechanical ventilation and the nursing responsibilities associated with management of the patient who is being mechanically ventilated. Mechanical ventilation refers to the use of life-support technology to perform the work of breathing for patients who are unable to breathe on their own. The majority of critically ill patients in today's intensive care units (ICUs) require a period of this treatment. Nursing care of the patient receiving mechanical ventilation is an integral part of successful patient management. This program discusses the assessment and monitoring of the patient receiving mechanical ventilation, potential complications related to mechanical ventilation and implications for nursing practice.

About the Author
Patricia Jenkins, Ph.D., MBA, RN
Assistant Professor
Florida Atlantic University
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing

Dr. Tricia Jenkins holds two bachelors from Emory University (English and Nursing), and a masters and doctoral degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee, Memphis. She also earned an MBA from Tulane. Dr. Jenkins enjoys working with students and is currently exploring ways to blend creative teaching with learning in distance education. She is currently an assistant professor of nursing at Florida Atlantic University.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this home-study continuing education program, the learner will be able to:

1. Describe two indications for mechanical ventilation.
2. Discuss principles of therapy and methods of mechanical ventilation.
3. Discuss the nursing role in airway management of the patient receiving mechanical ventilation.
4. Compare and contrast controlled, assisted and spontaneous modes of mechanical ventilation.
5. Identify assessment skills needed for the patient receiving mechanical ventilation.
6. Identify monitoring strategies and nursing interventions used in care of the patient receiving mechanical ventilation.
7. Describe two potential complications of mechanical ventilation.
8. Describe two methods of communication with the patient receiving mechanical ventilation.