What indicates that a patient on a ventilator may be experiencing dyspnea?

Increased work of breathing is a significant indicator that a patient on a ventilator may be experiencing dyspnea. When a patient's respiratory effort increases, it often signifies that they are struggling to breathe adequately. This can manifest as accessory muscle use, nasal flaring, or changes in respiratory rate or pattern. Such signs suggest that the ventilator may not be delivering sufficient support to meet the patient's ventilatory demands, leading to a sensation of breathlessness or discomfort.

Other options, such as a calm demeanor or stable oxygen saturation, could be misleading. A calm demeanor might be seen in a patient who is managing well with their ventilation or experiencing mild distress, while stable oxygen saturation could indicate that gas exchange is adequate even if the patient is experiencing increased effort. The absence of communication may not specifically indicate dyspnea as it could also be due to other factors such as sedation or neurological conditions. Focusing on the increased work of breathing provides a clear and observable sign of dyspnea in ventilated patients.