What is the primary use of ventilators in medical settings?

Ventilators are primarily used in medical settings to assist or replace patient breathing. These devices are crucial for patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own due to various conditions such as respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or during anesthesia in surgical procedures. By providing mechanical ventilation, ventilators ensure that oxygen is delivered to the lungs and carbon dioxide is effectively removed from the body, which is vital for maintaining the body’s overall gas exchange and homeostasis.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that are not associated with ventilators. Assisting with heart function is the domain of devices like pacemakers or defibrillators, while blood pressure monitoring is typically conducted using sphygmomanometers or electronic monitors. The dispensing of medications falls under the purview of devices like nebulizers or infusion pumps, which deliver therapeutic agents rather than assisting with breathing directly. Thus, the primary role of ventilators is distinctly supportive of respiratory function.