The aim of this study was to identify the experiences of patients who used invasive mechanical ventilation in intensive care units of two hospitals in Southern Brazil. This research was conducted in a qualitative way, consisting of 10 interviewees, who emphasized their main difficulties and necessities during the period in which they used invasive mechanical ventilation. The results indicate that the difficulties reported were specially related to the presence of the artificial airway, such as: suffocation felling, nausea, injuries caused by the endotracheal tube, accumulation of secretions in the endotracheal tube and oral cavity and aphonia. In addition, the patients reported other problems such as: communication needs, thirst, and changes in their personal routine. Our findings elucidated the experience of critically ill patients through this invasive feature, bringing important issues to be considered for nursing care.
Artificial Respiration; Intensive Care; Nursing