Introduction: In nursing practice, this concept has been identified in studies that address the nursing diagnosis of impaired spontaneous ventilation. Nursing performance facing this unwanted human response is considered essential for the maintenance and control of vital signs, cardiovascular monitoring, gas exchange and respiratory pattern, as well as constant surveillance aimed at signs of hypoventilation and inadequate ventilation. Objective: To analyze the concept of impaired spontaneous ventilation in critically ill patients in an intensive care unit. Methodology: This study is a concept analysis, according to Walker’s and Avant’s method, conducted using an integrative review. All the referential steps were followed: concept selection, determining the objectives and proposals for concept analysis, identifying the possible uses of the concept, determining the defining attributes, identifying a model case, identifying a contrary case, and identifying the precedents and consequences of the concept. Results: A sample of 38 studies was selected. The following were identified as attributes: distress and fatigue, respiratory distress, tachycardia, hemodynamic instability, altered mental status, abnormal arterial blood gas results, dyspnea, anxiety, agitation, sweating, hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Antecedents: sex, age, oxygen saturation lower than 90%, diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, and metabolic systems, respiratory infections, trauma, poisons, toxins, and sedatives. Consequences: increased heart rate, decreased partial oxygen saturation, increased use of respiratory muscles, dyspnea, increased metabolic rate and restlessness. The model case and the contrary case were used to illustrate the attributes, antecedents, and consequences. Conclusion: The study directed the strengthening of evidence about the phenomenon and demonstrated a strong occurrence in patients who need assistance in intensive care units, thus demanding critical care.
