ATI Chapter 20 Review: Advanced Med-Surg – Respiratory Management and Mechanical Ventilation

In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review ATI Chapter 20, which focuses on respiratory management and the use of mechanical ventilation to support oxygenation and airway patency. We’ll break down supplemental oxygen delivery systems, including nasal cannulas, simple masks, nonrebreather masks, and Venturi masks, with an emphasis on appropriate selection and nursing monitoring. The episode also covers advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, reviewing common ventilator modes, settings, and alarms. You’ll hear priority nursing actions related to recognizing early and late signs of respiratory distress, preventing complications such as oxygen toxicity, skin breakdown, and ventilator-associated infections, and ensuring patient safety in both acute and chronic care settings. This episode provides a clear, exam-focused review to help nursing students manage respiratory failure and deliver evidence-based respiratory care.Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 20