This episode reviews the key concepts of respiratory failure, including mechanisms of hypoxemia, hypercapnic respiratory failure, and how tools like the A–a gradient help differentiate causes. The discussion then covers noninvasive ventilation strategies (HFNC, CPAP, BiPAP) and transitions into core principles of mechanical ventilation modes, settings, and advanced strategies like APRV. Finally, the episode highlights complications of mechanical ventilation and provides a conceptual approach to interpreting pressure-volume and flow-volume loops. 

Content preparation: Dr. Lauren Craugh and Dr. Andrew Drahos
Content reviewers: Dr. Lauren Craugh and Dr. Andrew Drahos
Moderators: Dr. Lauren Craugh and  Dr. Andrew Drahos
Expert Guest: Dr. Tim Ellender
Fellow Guest: Dr. AJ Sood