What is usually the cause of ventilator dysfunction?

The primary reason for ventilator dysfunction often stems from inadequate sedation. When patients are not adequately sedated, they may have increased respiratory efforts or anxiety, which can lead to a mismatch between patient demand and ventilator support. This can cause the ventilator to have difficulty delivering breaths effectively or recognizing the patient's attempts to breathe, potentially leading to increased inspiratory pressures and ineffective ventilation.

While factors such as high airway pressure, low tidal volume, and incorrect mode settings can indeed contribute to ventilator issues, these are often outcomes resulting from patient factors or other settings on the ventilator itself. Inadequate sedation directly impacts the patient's ability to interact with the ventilator in a controlled manner, making it the more immediate and common cause of dysfunction. Therefore, ensuring adequate sedation is vital in maintaining proper ventilator function and facilitating effective ventilation support.