Care of Mechanically Ventilated Patients guides clinicians practice in the following categories: airway management, modes and methods of mechanical ventilation, weaning, sedation and neuromuscular blockade, nutrition support, and home care management of ventilator-assisted patients. Each protocol guides clinicians in the appropriate selection of patients, use and application of management principles, initial and ongoing monitoring, discontinuation of therapies or interventions, and selected aspects of quality control. AACN Protocols for Practice are authoritative evidence-based practice resources for use by clinicians, educators, and researchers. Each series of protocols makes recommendations for the application, practice, and monitoring associated with a device, procedure, or practice. These protocols are designed to promote evidence-based practice by providing the latest patient care research findings in a format that is easy to understand and integrate into clinical practice. The protocols can be used to guide care in a variety of clinical situations in acute care, progressive care, or even in the home. Each protocol is introduced by a case study, which is followed by general information about the technology, occupational hazards, ethics considerations, competency issues, and practice recommendations. Recommendations are rated according to the level of evidence that is available to support the statement. Annotated bibliographies, suggested readings, and cross references provide guidance for learning more about the specific device or patient care system.