Ventilators

Question 1

High pressure alarms

Answer 1

Increased resistance to air flow
(Machine is pushing too hard)

Question 2

3 obstructions that can cause high pressure alarms

Answer 2

1. Kinked tube - unkink it
2. Water in tube - drain away from patient
3. Mucus in airway - cough and deep breathing BEFORE you start suctioning

Question 3

Low pressure alarms

Answer 3

Decreased resistance to airflow

Question 4

Causes of low pressure alarms

Answer 4

1. Disconnection of tubing - reconnect it
2. Disconnection of O2 sensor tube - reconnect unless tube is on floor (bag it and call RT)

Question 5

Acid base imbalance If vent settings are too high (overventilating)

Answer 5

RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS

Question 6

Acid base imbalance if vent settings are too low (underventilating)

Answer 6

RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS