ICU ventilator weaning policy.

	Patient easily aroused, neurologically intact, and able to follow commands/lift head off pillow?
	Discussion of fluid status, hemodynamics, arrhythmias, and pain between nurse and respiratory therapist?
	Chest tube drainage <100 mL/h?
	Temperature was ≥36.2°C (97.2°F) and ≤38.2°C (101°F)?
	Clear, bilateral breath sounds?
	Minimal endotracheal secretions?
	Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) ≤+5 mmHg?
	FiO2 < 50% with oxygen saturation >92%?
	Rapid Shallow Breathing Index <100?
	Negative Inspiratory Force <−20 (more negative)?
	Arterial blood gases (ABGs) adequate after 30 minutes of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?

If all of the above criteria were met, the patient was extubated to 6–8 L of Oxygen via Nasal Cannula. If there was failure to meet any of the above criteria, he or she was returned to full ventilator support and another attempt was made one hour later.