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Why you should read this article: • To understand how non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) can improve gas exchange • To enhance your knowledge of the principles, modalities, risks and contraindications of NPPV • To recognise the role of nurses in providing care, and monitoring and managing patients receiving NPPV Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) provides respiratory support to patients without the need for invasive intubation. Although it has been used for several years in critical care, NPPV has come to prominence as a management option for certain patients with respiratory complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This has led to increased care provision by nurses with little or no experience and expertise in critical care and NPPV. This article provides an overview of the principles of NPPV and its use in type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure. It explains the pathophysiology of several conditions that often lead to respiratory failure and how NPPV can mitigate respiratory failure and improve gas exchange. An individualised assessment of the patient's suitability for NPPV and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the therapy are crucial to ensure its safe and effective use. Nurses also have an important role in providing explanations and support to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study provides a critical analysis of the management of a patient with long-term conditions in a community matron service. Particular attention is given to the effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effect of COPD on health and wellbeing, quality of life and hospital admissions is examined, and outcomes are detailed that resulted from the implementation of evidence-based interventions and a case management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at risk of developing acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) if given high-concentration uncontrolled oxygen inappropriately. This article analyses a critical incident involving a patient who developed AHRF, and identifies areas for improvement in clinical practice that would improve the standard of care for patients with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the administration of acute oxygen therapy in the community setting, and emphasises the importance of achieving target blood oxygen saturation ranges for each patient. Respiratory assessment and monitoring, including blood gas analysis, and the role of pulse oximetry when delivering oxygen therapy are outlined. Nurses working in the community are responsible for conducting respiratory assessments, specifically in relation to triage and decisions concerning whether or not to treat patients at home or transfer them to hospital. It is hoped that the article will provide nurses with the knowledge to improve their practice in relation to oxygen therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious and complex condition. Despite technological advances in treatment, it is associated with a high mortality rate, and the cost to the NHS of treating patients with ARDS is substantial. The condition also presents nurses with many challenges. This article explores the different treatment options available for patients with ARDS, focusing on prone positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers step-by-step instructions for using a self-inflating bag and face mask.

This article provides an overview of non-invasive respiratory support, with particular reference to continuous positive airway pressure and bilevel non-invasive ventilation. The indications for therapy and the role of the nurse in delivering therapy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the improvement of breathing in the prehospital setting with the use of the basic life support continous positive airway pressure (BLS CPAP). The positive pressure applied by the CPAP through all phases of the respiratory cycle avoids intubation and days of mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU). CPAP has reduced patients and proved effective in the treatment of pulmonary edema.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a significant effect on the lives of people diagnosed with the condition, not just physically, but also socially, emotionally and spiritually. There is a UK guideline for the care, management and treatment of patients with this disease (National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions 2004) and a National Service Framework (NSF) for COPD is current under development (Department of Health 2007). The NSF will have a specific section on patient-focused outcomes, examining the issues important to patients with the disease (Cote el al 2007, Miravitlles et al 2007). By concentrating on patient-focused outcomes the care, management and treatment of patients with COPD could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article assesses the care of pediatric patient following shock and respiratory failure in the U.S. Proper manual airway management and manual ventilation with a bag-valve mask have shown to be effective in the treatment of respiratory failure and shock. The color-coded Broselow system, a resuscitation tape, was developed as a quick indicator of the equipment and medication dosages in a particular patient.

The article discusses a research study on Neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Topics discussed include its symptoms, pathophysiology and treatment available for it. Its symptoms include clinical hallmarks of transverse myelitis, optic neuritis and back pain. Respiratory failure is the main cause of death in NMO patients.

Oxygen is a chemical element making up approximately 21% of the atmosphere. It is essential in enabling the body to carry out the metabolic processes required to sustain life. Clinically, it should be considered as a medication that should be used with the same caution extended to all pharmaceutical interventions. The aim of this article is to highlight the role of oxygen in correcting acute respiratory failure in adults and to discuss safe and effective delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to increase nurses' knowledge of the safe administration of oxygen therapy in acute care. The administration and potential complications associated with delivery of oxygen to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type II respiratory failure are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the air pollutants called brown clouds. It states that brown clouds contain nitrogen oxides, fly ash, and soot particles that could cause respiratory problems. It mentions that brown clouds affect five areas including East Asia, the Sahara Desert, and eastern Pakistan, and also persist throughout Europe and eastern U.S. It also notes that environmental activists and policy groups call for global reduction in black-carbon emissions to minimize human-induced global warming.

Plans for a national service framework for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were announced recently. Care tailored to individual needs pays dividends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of caring for an older woman who was a hospital patient and suffered a life threatening complication and of learning about the importance of compassion in the nursing profession as a result.

The article offers news briefs related to respiratory health as of March 2014. Topics include the association of benzodiazepines and opioids with increased risk of death or hospital admission in patients with chronic respiratory failure, the efficacy of upper airway stimulation for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and the effects of air pollution on low birth weight.

The article focuses on former chief executive officer (CEO) of Apple Inc. Steven Paul Jobs, also known as Steve Jobs. It offers information on his life history, wherein he becomes an interim CEO in 1997, he introduced the iPad in 2010, and he passed away on October 5, 2011, due to respiratory failure. Alan Yeung, the co-founder of AViiQ, comments that Jobs has left behind a marvelous legacy.