How does a critical care patient cope while on a mechanical ventilator?

I think the answer here depends on many factors. If the patient is awake and not sedated with drugs then the patient will need some help with coping. This can be in the form of explaining everything to the patient before it is done so to alleviate fears and anxieties. Patients who cannot have sedation, or are being weaned from the ventilator will need some coaching, that is support for the processes and coping with the ventilator process. Alternate forms of communication can be established (writing boards, electronic devices, symbol boards). The presence of family might be comforting when allowable. There are few patients who can tolerate the presence of a ventilator without some type of pharmacologic (medicine) support. It also depends on why the patient needs the tube in the first place. Other needs such as hydration, pain, and elimination must be addressed to help a patient cope.