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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Vent Weaning via CPAP
Answered by
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Vent Weaning via CPAP
by je82857, Feb 01, 2005 12:00AM
My mom had a tracheostomy about 4 weeks ago. She was moved to a nursing home about 2 weeks ago, and they recently have started trying to wean her from the vent by using CPAP. The first time she only lasted 10 minutes, then her bpm went down to 5. The second time they upped the pressure +15 and she lasted 4 1/2 hours before getting so tired, she couldn't handle it anymore. Yesterday she only lasted 45 minutes before starting to perspire profusely, and the record says pt. was wob. I'm assuming that means without breath, is that correct?
My question is.....how successful is weaning via CPAP? What is the average length of time for weaning?
Her history is as follows: My mom was doing fairly well before falling and breaking her hip. At home she was on oxygen several times per day due to emphysema. In the hospital, she went down fast...her blood gasses were all over the place, with very high carbon dioxide levels.
Any information you can provide on CPAP weaning would be most appreciated. Thank you.
My question is.....how successful is weaning via CPAP? What is the average length of time for weaning?
Her history is as follows: My mom was doing fairly well before falling and breaking her hip. At home she was on oxygen several times per day due to emphysema. In the hospital, she went down fast...her blood gasses were all over the place, with very high carbon dioxide levels.
Any information you can provide on CPAP weaning would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
It is not possible to speculate on either the success rate or average length of time for weaning. Both are usually determined by the severity of the emphysema. Mobilization, patience, good nutrition and attention to your mother's emotional needs are all important in the success of weaning. I assume that “wob” does mean without breathing.
Member Comments (2)
by OrthoRN, Feb 09, 2005 12:00AM
WOB is likely SOB -Short of Breath. This is a common term used in the health professions. CPAP is continuous positive airway pressure, meaning that a continuous flow of air is being pushed into the lungs, basically keeping the lungs open and giving the person a little extra support. Weaning people from vents are very challenging. Given that she has previous respiratory problems and required oxygen prior to the illness is likely complicating the extubation more then the CPAP itself. This can be very stressful for families and patients... Feel free to discuss the matter with the Respiratory Therapist or one of the nurses on the unit. Good luck!
