Recently, there has been renewed interest in high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) as a lung-protective strategy in adults. It limits overdistension and prevents cyclic collapse by maintaining end-expiratory lung volume. Studies have shown that HFOV is safely tolerated in the adult population and may offer more benefit if applied early in the course of disease. These findings have implications for clinicians as the use of HFOV may increase in the coming decade. Gas transport mechanisms, ventilator settings, patient monitoring, and clinical considerations for HFOV are substantially different from conventional mechanical ventilation. This article reviews management strategies and monitoring priorities currently recommended for management of adults receiving HFOV.

Uncontrolled bleeding and coagulopathy are associated with trauma, liver failure, obstetric conditions, and a variety of surgical circumstances, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in the critically ill. Recently, the role of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in the management of uncontrolled bleeding has attracted interest. rFVIIa was initially developed (and licensed) for the treatment of hemophilia. Increasingly, evidence suggests rFVIIa causes cessation of bleeding, improves coagulation markers, and reduces blood product use for treatment of severe bleeding due to other causes. The majority of evidence for nonlicensed use of rFVIIa consists of case reports. Recently, the first randomized controlled trial of rFVIIa in trauma patients reported a significant reduction in red blood cell transfusion, and a trend toward reduced mortality and critical complications. As evidence builds to support the use of rFVIIa, nurses need to be aware of the administration and safety issues of this treatment.

Mechanical ventilation is one of the most commonly applied interventions in intensive care units. Despite its life-saving role, mechanical ventilation is associated with additional risks to the patient and additional healthcare costs if not applied appropriately. To decrease risk, new ventilator modes continue to be developed with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Advances in ventilator modes include dual control modes that enable guaranteed tidal volume and inspiratory pressure, pressurestyle modes that permit spontaneous breathing at high- and low-pressure levels, and closed-loop systems that facilitate ventilator manipulation of variables based on measured respiratory parameters. Clinicians need to develop a thorough understanding of these modes including their effects on underlying respiratory physiology to be able to deliver safe and appropriate patient care.