Before using acute noninvasive ventilation

Before using acute noninvasive ventilation:

• measure arterial blood gases, if possible, to determine whether a patient is hypercapnic or hypocapnic
• obtain informed consent and discuss whether intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation will be undertaken if noninvasive ventilation fails
• develop and document a management plan that is reviewed regularly and updated as required
• document baseline observations such as arterial blood gases, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO₂), level of breathlessness and consciousness, pain score, cardiac monitoring, blood pressure, heart rate, skin integrity at mask contact points, and other parameters relevant to the patient’s comorbidities
• set up and check the appropriate ventilator device and circuit.