Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV) is a specialized mode of mechanical ventilation that is primarily utilized in specific neonatal conditions requiring advanced respiratory support. It delivers small tidal volumes at a rapid rate, helping to improve oxygenation and ventilation while minimizing ventilator-induced lung injury.

In the context of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) or Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), HFOV is particularly beneficial. MAS can lead to airway obstruction and surfactant dysfunction, causing significant respiratory distress. On the other hand, PPHN is characterized by high pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to inadequate oxygenation. HFOV allows for better recruitment of collapsed lung units in these scenarios, improving ventilation-perfusion matching and enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues while reducing the risk of barotrauma.

Using HFOV in such conditions aligns with the need for gentle ventilation strategies, helping to protect fragile neonatal lungs while managing complex pathophysiological changes occurring in babies with MAS or PPHN. This approach ultimately supports better clinical outcomes and reduced complications associated with traditional ventilation strategies.

While HFOV can be useful in some other conditions, its primary recognition and utilization are most prevalent in cases of MAS and PPHN due to the distinct