benefits of mechanical ventilation

Indications: 1) reversal of hypoxemia & respiratory acidosis 2) relief of respiratory distress 3) elimination of ventilatory muscle fatigue 4) facilitation of sedation or neuromuscular blockade 5) reduction of myocardial & systemic oxygen consumption 6) reduction of intracranial pressure 7) stabilization of an injured chest wall 8) maintains patent airway 9) access for suction

References

Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998