What is the purpose of ventilators in the ICU?

Ventilators in the ICU serve a crucial role in providing respiratory support to patients who are experiencing respiratory failure. This involves delivering mechanical ventilation, which can be either invasive or non-invasive, to ensure that the patient receives adequate oxygenation and ventilation despite their inability to breathe effectively on their own.

Respiratory failure can occur due to various conditions such as severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), trauma, or other illnesses where the lungs are unable to perform their function of gas exchange. By using a ventilator, healthcare providers can manage the patient's airflow, control oxygen levels, and assist with the removal of carbon dioxide, thereby stabilizing their condition and preventing further complications.

The other options mentioned do not align with the primary function of a ventilator. While comfort and anxiety management are important aspects of patient care, they are typically addressed through other interventions rather than mechanical ventilation. Nutritional support and monitoring heart rates also fall outside the scope of mechanical ventilation's purpose in providing respiratory assistance.