What type of patient scenario would require the use of a ventilator?

The use of a ventilator is typically indicated for patients experiencing severe respiratory failure. In such scenarios, the patient is unable to maintain adequate ventilation or oxygenation on their own and requires mechanical assistance to support their breathing. This might be due to various underlying conditions, such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where the patient's respiratory muscles are compromised or the lungs are unable to effectively exchange gases.

In contrast, scenarios involving stable asthma, recovery from surgery, or a common cold typically do not require ventilatory support. Patients with stable asthma may manage their symptoms with bronchodilators or corticosteroids, those recovering from surgery usually have transient respiratory depression that resolves after anesthesia, and individuals with a common cold generally do not experience significant respiratory distress necessitating mechanical ventilation.