Troubleshooting Ventilator Alarms

Troubleshooting Ventilator Alarms

■ When the ventilator alarms: Check the Pt first. If Pt is in no apparent distress, check ventilator to determine source of problem.
■ If patient is showing signs of distress (“fighting the vent”): Try to calm the Pt. If unsuccessful, immediately disconnect Pt from vent and manually ventilate with 100% oxygen using a BVM. Notify the physician and RT immediately.

Alarm	Intervention
Low-Pressure: Usually caused by system disconnections or leaks.	■ Reconnect Pt to ventilator. ■ Evaluate cuff and reinflate if needed (if ruptured, tube will need to be replaced). ■ Evaluate connections and tighten or replace as needed. ■ Check ET tube placement (auscultate lung fields and assess for equal, bilateral breath sounds).
High-Pressure: Usually caused by resistance within the system. Can be kink or water in tubing, Pt biting the tube, copious secretions, or plugged endotracheal tube.	■ Suction Pt if secretions are suspected. ■ Insert bite block to prevent Pt from biting tube. ■ Reposition Pt’s head and neck, or reposition tube. ■ Sedation may be required to prevent a Pt from fighting the vent, but only after careful assessment excludes a physical or mechanical cause.
High Respiratory Rate: Can be caused by anxiety or pain, secretions in ETT/airway, or hypoxia.	■ Suction Pt. ■ Look for source of anxiety (e.g., pain, environmental stimuli, inability to communicate, restlessness, etc.). ■ Evaluate oxygenation.
Low Exhaled Volume: Usually caused by tubing disconnection or inadequate seal.	■ Evaluate/reinflate cuff; if ruptured, ETT must be replaced. ■ Evaluate connections; tighten or replace as needed; check ETT placement, reconnect to ventilator.