Troubleshooting

Question 1

Your patient is intubated, and an alarm sounds on the vent for a high peek inspiratory pressure.

What steps should you take to resolve the issue?

Answer 1

1. Observe patient and ventilator waveform to assess for dyssynchrony (eg. grimising or biting ETT) [may need bolus sedation]
2. Listen for breath sounds to rule out pneumothorax, bronchospasm or ETT migration
   [Complete appropriate treatment]
3. Rule out inline secretion by completing an inline suction
4. Examine for a ventilator circuit issue (eg, kinked tubing or clogged filter) [avoid disconnecting circuit]

Question 2

Your patient is intubated and an alarm sounds on the vent for a low minute ventilation.

1. What could be the problem.
2. What could you attempt to resolve the issue.

Answer 2

1. Assess patient and waveform
2. Assess ventilation circuit for leaks or disconnection
3. Rule out obstruction by completing inline suction
4. Observe ETT for leak or movement

Question 3

Your patient is intubated and an alarm sounds on the vent for a high tidal volume.

1. What could be the problem.
2. What could you attempt to resolve the issue.

Question 4

Your patient is intubated and an alarm sounds on the vent for a low tidal volume.

1. What could be the problem.
2. What could you attempt to resolve the issue.

Question 5

Your patient is intubated and an alarm sounds on the vent for a low peek end expiratory pressure.

1. What could be the problem.
2. What could you attempt to resolve the issue.

Question 6

Your patient is intubated and an alarm sounds on the vent for a high peek end expiratory pressure.

1. What could be the problem.
2. What could you attempt to resolve the issue.