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Ventilator Alarms Troubleshooting for Seamless Respiratory Care
Date: November 29, 2023 | Posted by: Vikram Aditya Tirthani
Date: November 29, 2023 | Posted by: Vikram Aditya Tirthani
Ventilators are indispensable in critical care, providing life-sustaining respiratory support to patients. However, the complex nature of these machines can lead to alarms, singling potential issues. In below article, we’ll unravel the mystery behind common ventilator alarms, along with their definitions and suggested corrective actions. These corrective actions are sequenced to correct the most probable issue or to present the most efficient corrective action first. The proposed actions, however, may not always correct the particular problem.
This alarm occurs when the airway pressure exceeds the set pressure high alarm limit.
Actions -Check the patient.
Check the ventilation parameter setup.
Check the alarm limits.
Check the patient tubing for occlusion.
the inspired O2 concentration is greater than the Oxygen alarm limit.
Actions – Check the ventilation parameter setup.
Check the alarm limits.
Check the HEPA filter for occlusion.
Calibrate the O2 sensor
the inspired O2 concentration is less than the FiO2 low alarm limit
Actions – Check the ventilation parameter setup.
Check the alarm limits.
Check the O2 supply.
Calibrate the O2 sensor.
the TVe monitored value is greater than TVe high alarm limit.
Actions – Check the ventilation parameter setup. Check the alarm limits.
TVe Too Low: the TVe monitored value is less than TVe low alarm limit
Actions – Check the patient.
Check the ventilation parameter setup.
Check the alarm limits.
Check the patient tubing for leakage or occlusion.
Minute Volume monitoring value is greater than MV high alarm limit.
Actions – Check the ventilation parameter setup.
Check the alarm limits.
Minute Volume monitoring value is less than MV low alarm limit.
Actions -Check the ventilation parameter setup.
Check the alarm limits.
Check the patient tubing for leakage or occlusion.
The time of failure to detect respiration, No patient trigger within set apnea time (Tapnea) causes this alarm
Actions – Check the patient.
Check trigger sensitivity.
Consider changing the mode.
Check apnea time setup.
Check if the patient tubing are disconnected.
Apnea backup ventilation has started. No breath delivered during the operator set apnea time.
Actions – Check the patient.
Check trigger sensitivity.
Check apnea ventilation parameter setup.
Respiratory rate is greater than alarm limit.
Actions – Check the patient.
Check the ventilation parameter setup.
Check the alarm limits.
Measured Tidal Volume is significantly less than the delivered Tidal Volume.
Actions -Check the condition of the expiratory valve on breathing cassette. If membrane is defective, replace.
Check whether the expiratory valve is affected by any nebulizing agent.
Make sure that the breathing cassette is properly installed.
Check whether there is a disconnection at the expiratory valve.
Replace the breathing cassette.
Activated when the ambient conditions deviate from the preset range.
Actions: Adjust room temperature or humidity levels
Check the ventilator’s environmental requirements
Ensure proper placement to avoid condensation.
Signaled when a power outage occurs, posing a risk to uninterrupted ventilation.
Actions: Ensure the ventilator has a functioning battery backup, and consider alternative power sources.
Have a manual resuscitator on hand for emergencies.
Understanding common ventilator alarms and implementing effective troubleshooting measures is crucial for healthcare professionals. Regular training, staying informed about equipment specifications, and adhering to preventive maintenance schedules contribute to a seamless respiratory care environment. By mastering these alarms, healthcare providers can ensure patient safety and the continuous functionality of ventilators in critical care settings.
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