Ch. 1. Airway management / Robert E. St. John and Maureen A. Seckel -- Ch. 2. Invasive and noninvasive modes and methods of mechanical ventilation / Lynelle N. B. Pierce -- Ch. 3. Weaning from mechanical ventilation / Suzanne M. Burns -- Ch. 4. Beyond the ICU : home care management of patients receiving mechanical ventilation / Margaret M. Ecklund -- Ch. 5. Nutritional support for mechanically ventilated patients / Carol Ress Parrish, Joe Krenitsky and Kate Willcutts -- Ch. 6. Sedation and neuromuscular blockade in mechanically ventilated patients / Jill Luer