Patient
Initial settings (Volume A/C)
Tidal volume
—
7 mL/kg actual
Rate
20 /min
adjust for pH/CO₂
PEEP
5 cmH₂O
↑ if hypoxic
FiO₂
100%
wean to SpO₂ 92–96%
I:E
1:2
prolong exp. if obstr.
Pplat goal
< 30
cmH₂O — check q4h
Pediatric: TV by actual weight, RR by age. Keep Pplat < 28–30, ΔP < 15. Confirm tube position with ETCO₂ and CXR.
ABG adjustment calculator
Targets: PaCO₂ 40, pH 7.35–7.45, SpO₂ 92–96%.
Enter ABG values to see recommendations.
Pearls
- Always dose TV by IBW, never actual weight.
- Oxygenation = FiO₂ + PEEP. Ventilation = RR × TV.
- Recheck ABG 20–30 min after every change.
- If Pplat > 30 → reduce TV by 1 mL/kg (min 4 mL/kg) before other changes.
- Sudden ↑ peak pressure: DOPES — Displaced tube, Obstruction, Pneumothorax, Equipment, Stacked breaths.