Do you increase sedation or consider the use of neuromuscular blockade to prevent potential self-induced lung injury in patients with high respiratory drive?  

My approach to patients with high respiratory drive is variable based on the disease process, the patient's physiology, and the stage of evolution of the disease. Optimization of ventilation parameters (inspiratory flow rate, flow pattern, cycle time, trigger settings) to promote synchrony is a firs...

We employ low tidal volume, high PEEP strategies, and ensure, that the patient is adequately sedated, and treated for pain. We will adjust the ventilator modalities if a patient is asynchronous or struggling on the ventilator. If all else fails, neuromuscular blockade is appropriate. We hold neuromu...