Skip to main contentSkip Navigation or Skip to Content
Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

RESP 2161: Mechanical Ventilation

This course is intended for individuals interested in enhancing their understanding of the clinical applications of mechanical ventilation. The course is designed to meet two objectives: to reinforce the core components of mechanical ventilation and to address advances in ventilatory care.

Learning outcomes

  • Define the basic terms and concepts of mechanical ventilation.
  • Describe the physical aspects of mechanical ventilation.
  • Describe the use, types, and characteristics of monitoring devices.
  • Describe the physiological effects and complications of positive pressure ventilation.
  • Describe the indications of mechanical ventilation.
  • Identify initial parameters, settings, and special issues associated with ventilator setup.
  • Outline the steps of patient assessment and identify methods to improve ventilation and oxygenation.
  • Outline patient related issues in relation to airways, circuit changes, medications, and patient positioning, and describe problem solving and troubleshooting techniques related to mechanical ventilation.
  • Describe the considerations and methods of weaning and discontinuation from mechanical ventilation.
  • Describe the special considerations in providing ventilator support for newborns, pediatric patients, and in-home patients.
  • Outline the special techniques involved in ventilatory support.

Course topics

  • Module A: Basic Terms and Concepts of Mechanical Ventilation
  • Module B: Physical Aspects of Mechanical Ventilation
  • Module C: Establishing the Need for Mechanical Ventilation
  • Module D: Selecting the Ventilator and the Mode
  • Module E: Initial Ventilator Settings and Final Considerations in Ventilator Setup
  • Module F: Initial Patient Assessment and Methods to Improve Ventilation
  • Module G: Methods to Improve Oxygenation
  • Module H: Ventilator Graphics
  • Module I: Physiological Effects and Complications of Positive Pressure Ventilation
  • Module J: Troubleshooting and Problem Solving
  • Module K: Weaning and Discontinuation from Mechanical Ventilation
  • Module L: Neonatal and Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation
  • Module M: Special Techniques in Ventilatory Support
  • Module N: Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation

Required text and materials

The following material is required for this course:

  1. Cairo, J.M. (2024). Pilbeam’s Mechanical Ventilation: Physiological and clinical applications (8th ed.). Elsevier Mosby. 
    Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0323-87164-8

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the Mandatory Final Exam.

Students applying this course towards any TRU or other educational institution’s health care program may be required to obtain a minimum of 50 or 60% score on the final mandatory examination and 60% overall to meet program requirements. 

Midterm 1 25%
Midterm 2 25%
Mandatory Final Exam 50%
Total 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

Search To Top