Paralysis in ARDS is not primarily about making the ventilator screen look cleaner.
It is about controlling lung stress when patient effort and ventilator interaction become dangerous.
ARDS creates a small, inflamed, heterogeneously aerated lung. Even low tidal volumes can produce excessive regional strain if the baby lung is very small.
Spontaneous breathing can be helpful in some patients.
But excessive respiratory drive can be harmful.
Full post, key takeaways, references, and the rest of the Core Medical Education collection are available for WhiteBoard Medicine members.
Ventilator modes, settings, waveforms, dyssynchrony, noninvasive support, and troubleshooting.
Blog PreviewDriving pressure in ARDS, plateau pressure minus PEEP, lung strain, respiratory system compliance, and ventilator-induced lung injury.
Mini CourseA complete member course on RASS, CPOT, CAM-ICU, sedatives, analgesics, and ventilated patient comfort.
Mini CoursesStructured video chapters, study guides, practice questions, final assessments, and clinical summaries.
Study Guide TopicRASS, CPOT, CAM-ICU, propofol, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, and comfort.
