If a patient is having trouble with a ventilator, the first responses of nurses and physicians is often to increase sedation which will make the doctors and nurses feel better, but will ultimately work against the patient. Sedated patients can't be weaned off a ventilator and every day you're on a ventilator is another day you're on a ventilator.
The first response to a patient "bucking" a vent or "fighting" a vent, is to work with the ventilator settings. Is the patient getting enough tidal volume? Is the patient getting too much? Does the patient need more flow? If the patient is on volume control ventilation might he be better suited on pressure control (or vice versa)? Does the PEEP need to be adjusted?
Try those first. Increase sedation as a last resort.
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