Background: The current approach to mechanical ventilation for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
(ARDS) and Acute Lung Injury (ALI) involves maintaining key patient-ventilator parameters
within established lung protective targets. Monitoring is part of the processes of nursing care believed
to guide therapeutic intervention and facilitate compliance with these targets. Empirical relationships
between monitoring, therapeutic intervention, and compliance with these practice guidelines have not
been adequately explored.