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Ventilator Waveforms

Respiratory therapist Craig Smallwood discusses the pressure, volume and flow of waveforms. He explains how to use these waveforms in troubleshooting mechanical ventilation issues.

Released:

September 1, 2012

Audience:

Physicians, Respiratory Therapists, Paramedics

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the three primary ventilator waveforms

  • Explain how time‑based ventilator graphics reflect delivered mechanical breaths

  • Recognize the role of ventilator waveforms in assessing patient–ventilator interaction

  • Describe how waveform appearance differs across pressure control, volume control, and pressure support modes

  • Demonstrate the importance of reviewing normal waveforms before troubleshooting abnormalities

Author(s)

Craig Smallwood, PhD, RRT

Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Research | Boston Children's Hospital

Assistant Professor | Harvard Medical School


Traci Wolbrink, MD, MPH

Co-Director, OPENPediatrics; Co-Director, Center for Educational Excellence and Innovation; Program Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; Senior Associate in Critical Care Medicine | Boston Children’s Hospital

Associate Professor of Anaesthesia | Harvard Medical School

Citation

Smallwood C,   Wolbrink TA. Ventilator Waveforms. 9/2012. Online Video. OPENPediatrics. https://learn.openpediatrics.org/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/3044/ventilator-waveforms.

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