It is important to maintain a high level of monitoring while encouraging the patient to maintain good lung expansion by sitting upright and expectorating as required. CPAP can cause the oral mucosa to dry out with prolonged use, leading to an increased risk of infection, so it is essential that regular mouth care is provided. Regular ABG sampling can be used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment as well as to guide any changes required to either oxygen concentration or PEEP. As with all patients requiring an increased level of support, an accurate fluid balance chart should be maintained to ensure that fluid overload does not occur (Beitler et al. [20]).

Document all the vital signs and monitoring as well as the patient's response to CPAP or NIV treatment.

It is worth discussing with the patient and their family or carer that intermittent use of CPAP is sometimes beneficial and that if it is required again, this does not necessarily indicate deterioration.