Administering Non-invasive Ventilation (NIV)

Non-invasive ventilation is used to meet the respiratory demands of patients presenting to hospital with symptoms such as breathlessness or hypoxia. With an increase of patients experiencing respiratory symptoms in light of the current pandemic, it is particularly important to be well-informed about this treatment and how to safely provide it.

What is Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)?

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is the delivery of respiratory support to a patient using an external interface (mask or helmet).

Unlike invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), which involves the insertion of an artificial airway (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy), NIV does not interfere with the patient’s upper airways and preserves their ability to speak, cough and swallow (Soo Hoo 2020; Gregoretti 2015).

NIV may be administered to a patient who is having difficulty ventilating and oxygenating due to acute respiratory distress, chronic respiratory conditions, surgical complications, asthma, comfort care or another respiratory failure. It may also be used to wean a patient off IMV (Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014).

NIV should be considered in the early stages of respiratory decline to minimise intensive care admission.

Benefits of Non-Invasive Ventilation

NIV may alleviate some of the physiological effects of respiratory failure, including reducing the work of breathing and reversing hypoxia (Nickson 2019).

Early and successful implementation of NIV has been shown to decrease intubation rates and reduce the duration of ICU and hospital stays. Furthermore, NIV has also been attributed to reduced rates of in-hospital morbidity and mortality (Comellini, Pacilli & Nava 2019).

However, early detection of patient deterioration is crucial to ensure oxygenation and ventilation is optimised.

NIV may also avert the risk of developing infections and complications associated with IMV such as pneumonia (Gregoretti 2015).

Non-Invasive Ventilation Interfaces

Successful implementation of NIV has been attributed to choosing an appropriate interface for the patient. The four types of interface used include:

Oro-nasal mask (covers the nose and mouth);

Nasal mask (covers the nose only);

Total face mask (cover the whole face); and

Helmet (contains the patient’s head completely, with a seal around the neck).

(Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014)

Each interface has both advantages and disadvantages. Generally, oro-nasal masks are most preferable for patients with acute respiratory failure and are relatively successful, but may be uncomfortable. Conversely, nasal masks are more comfortable but more likely to lead to NIV failure, often due to mouth leaks (Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014.).

It is important to be aware of factors that may contribute to interface intolerance by patients, including claustrophobia, poor fit, discomfort and oronasal dryness. Pressure injuries are common for oro-nasal and nasal masks (Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014).

How to Administer Non-Invasive Ventilation

Before delivering NIV, the patient must be assessed for:

Capacity to protect their airway;
Level of consciousness;
Anticipated level of cooperation with the interface;
Capacity to manage their respiratory secretions; and
Potential to recover the quality of life acceptable to the patient.

(Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014)

If the patient fails to meet one of these criteria, they are ineligible for NIV and alternate care should be sought.

The process of administering NIV is as follows:

Ensure the patient is sitting in an upright position.

Conduct bed safety checks to ensure oxygen, suction, air viva etc. are working.

Conduct a head-to-toe assessment. Continuous haemodynamic monitoring is essential.

Ensure all necessary equipment is ready and connected.

Ensure face mask size is correct in order to maintain a tight seal.

Proactive measures to prevent pressure injuries (e.g. hydrocolloid dressing) should be implemented prior to the commencement of NIV or as soon as possible. Additional strategies such as interface repositioning or interface changes may need to be implemented throughout the ventilation if a deterioration in skin integrity is observed.

Silence all alarms when commencing NIV to decrease patient anxiety and noise around the bed area.

Explain the therapy; patient education and reassurance are crucial to ensure therapy is successful.

Start low and slow with machine settings to ensure the patient has time to adjust to the mask. You must listen to the patient and always maintain a calm approach as the environment may be stressful. Be aware that the patient may feel claustrophobic.

Reassure the patient that it will be easy for them to breathe in with this therapy, as the air is readily available and will minimise their respiratory workload.

Inform the patient that they must focus on breathing out slowly, as they will be faced with a pressure that can potentially be uncomfortable (this will help keep the alveoli open and maximise oxygenation).

Set the pressure of the inspiratory airway positive pressure (IPAP) and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) at low levels initially and titrate to appropriate levels as per the observations of qualified nursing staff.

Titrate oxygen concentration according to oxygen saturation and/or arterial blood gases to ensure therapy is effective.

Continuous haemodynamic monitoring is essential.

(Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014; ERS/ATS 2017)

Possible Complications

Generally, NIV is tolerated well by most patients. However, adverse effects are possible (Carron et al. 2013).

Patients who have a decreased level of consciousness secondary to raised carbon dioxide levels, or are confused or hypoxic, are at increased risk of developing complications and require constant observation until their condition improves (Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014).

NIV may cause haemodynamic instability in patients with acute respiratory failure (Carron et al. 2013).

If the patient does not clinically improve after starting NIV, therapy may need to be escalated. If the patient continues to deteriorate despite therapy, call for assistance. The patient may need to be intubated and invasively ventilated (Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014).

In the event of an escalation, the patient may be transferred to a critical care setting where higher staffing ratios and more complex interventions are available (Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014).

Overall, nurse knowledge, understanding and communication, as well as patient comfort and compliance are key in determining the success of NIV.

Note: This article is intended as a refresher and should not replace best-practice care. Always refer to your facility’s policy on non-invasive ventilation.

Additional Resources

Agency for Clinical Innovation, Non-invasive Ventilation Guidelines for Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure, https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/239740/ACI14_Man_NIV _1-2.pdf
European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society, Official ERS/ATS Clinical Practice Guidelines: Noninvasive Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure, https://www.thoracic.org/statements/resources/cc/niv-guidelines.pdf

Multiple Choice Questions Q1. True or false? NIV is associated with increased rates of in-hospital mortality.

True

False

Q2. Which of the following interfaces is generally preferable for patients with acute respiratory failure?

Oro-nasal mask.

Nasal mask.

Total face mask.

Helmet

Q3. True or false? NIV is generally tolerated well by most patients.

True

False

References

Agency for Clinical Innovation 2014, Non-invasive Ventilation Guidelines for Adult Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure, Agency for Clinical Innovation, viewed 15 April 2020, https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/239740/ACI14_Man_NIV_1-2.p dfCs
Carron, M et al 2013, ‘Complications of Non-invasive Ventilation Techniques: a Comprehensive Qualitative Review of Randomized Trials’, BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia, vol. 110, no. 6, viewed 15 April 2020, https://academic.oup.com/bja/article/110/6/896/246098
Comellini, V, Pacilli, A M G & Nava, S 2019, ‘Benefits of Non‐invasive Ventilation in Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure’, Respirology, viewed 15 April 2020, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/resp.13469
European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society 2017, Official ERS/ATS Clinical Practice Guidelines: Noninvasive Ventilation for Acute Respiratory Failure, European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society, viewed 15 April 2020, https://www.thoracic.org/statements/resources/cc/niv-guidelines.pdf
Gregoretti, C 2015, ‘Noninvasive Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients’, Critical Care Clinics, vol. 31 no. 3, viewed 15 April 2020, https://www.criticalcare.theclinics.com/article/S0749-0704(15)00018-4/abstract
Nickson, C 2019, ‘Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)’, Life in the Fastlane, viewed 16 April 2020, https://litfl.com/non-invasive-ventilation-niv/
Soo Hoo, G W 2020, ‘Noninvasive Ventilation’, Medscape, viewed 15 April 2020, https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/304235-overview

(Answers: b, a, a)

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