When on a ventilator the patient is
receiving oxygen in a carefully controlled
amount that has been humidified and can
be easily adjusted depending on the
patient’s condition.
Once ventilatory support has been
completely discontinued the patient
normally receives supplementary oxygen
through a mask covering the nose/mouth or
tracheotomy. It is less easy to regulate the
exact amount of oxygen the patient is
receiving and it can be difficult to maintain
an adequate level of humidification. For
these reasons one of the effects of
discontinuing artificial ventilation can be a
reduction in blood oxygen levels.