This session will provide an overview of the current state of the science surrounding symptom assessment and targeted interventions for the management of distressful symptoms experienced by patients during mechanical ventilation. Speakers will first summarize the evidence on common patient reported symptoms, symptom assessment tools, and communication strategies to facilitate symptom assessment with this nonvocal patient population. Current knowledge in the use of targeted interventions including nonpharmacological management of pain/discomfort, anxiety, ventilator dyssynchrony, and dyspnea will be featured. Implications for clinical practice and research will be discussed.