Mark Klimek: Ventilators

Question 1

What does it mean if the high pressure alarm goes off on a vent?

Answer 1

• working too hard (there is an obstruction)

Question 2

What should you check for if the high pressure alarm goes off on a vent? What actions do you take?

Answer 2

1) kinked tubing (unkink)
2) water condensation in tube (empty it)
3) mucous in the tube (turn/cough/deep breathe)
* *last resort is suctioning**

Question 3

What does it mean if the low pressure alarm goes off on a vent?

Answer 3

• there is a disconnection somewhere (eg. main tubing or O2 sensor tubing)

Question 4

What do you do if there is a disconnection somewhere on a vent?

Answer 4

• reconnect!!

* *if the O2 sensor gets contaminated, call RT**

Question 5

What vent settings would should resp alkolosis

Answer 5

• vent settings too HIGH (over ventilation)

Question 6

What vent settings would show resp acidosis?

Answer 6

• vent settings too LOW (under ventilating)