COPD | Indications for Ventilatory Support

Is the patient breathing with use of the accessory muscles and with paradoxical abdominal motion?

Arterial pH

PaCO2

PaO2

FIO2 as a decimal fraction (from 0.21 to 1.0)

Respiratory rate

• had a respiratory arrest?

• have cardiovascular instability or complications?

• show somnolence or impaired mental status?

• uncooperative?

• have a high aspiration risk?

• have viscous or copious secretions?

• have a history of recent facial or gastroesophageal surgery?

• had recent craniofacial trauma?

• have fixed nasopharyngeal abnormalities?

• have extreme obesity?

• have significant metabolic abnormalities?

• have sepsis?

• have pneumonia?

• have a pulmonary embolus?

• have barotrauma?

• have a massive pleural effusion?

The patient's level of dyspnea