Ventilator Alarm Settings

Question 1

What is the high and low exhaled volume (Vt) alarm set at?

Answer 1

100 mL above and below the patient’s exhaled Vt

Question 2

What is the low inspiratory pressure (PIP) alarm set at?

Answer 2

5 cmH2O below observed PIP

Question 3

What is the high and low FiO2 alarm set at?

Answer 3

Bracket setting by 5%

Question 4

What is the apnea alarm setting set at?

Answer 4

15 to 20 second time delay

Question 5

What is the high and low MV alarm set at?

Answer 5

1-2 below actual minute volume

Question 6

What is the low PEEP/CPAP alarm set at?

Answer 6

2-4 cmH2O below set PEEP

Question 7

What are the high and low frequency alarms set at?

Answer 7

10/min above and below

Question 8

What is the high inspiratory pressure alarm set at?

Answer 8

10 cmH2O above observed PIP

Question 9

What is the alarm for high PIP meant to detect?

Answer 9

increased resistance and decreased compliance

Question 10

What are some things that could cause high PIP?

Answer 10

Water in circuit, secretions, kinking of ET tube, tension pneumothorax, coughing, bronchospasm

Question 11

What do we set the spontaneous Vt at?

Answer 11

Match it to the mandatory Vt