Expectations on A Ventilator
It can be uncomfortable when you are on a ventilator while being conscious. You cannot move around, eat, drink, or talk when you are still connected to the machine. The doctor might prescribe some drugs to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. These include sleep medications, muscle relaxers, sedatives, or pain medications. However, they can cause some side effects like confusion and drowsiness. Once you are done using the machine, you will not need them anymore.
While on a ventilator, the doctor might also monitor your condition to see how your body is responding. Some important factors to be checked include oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate. A chest scan or X-ray might also be needed. In addition, you might need a blood test to measure the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. [4]
