A ventilated patient suddenly triggers a high-pressure alarm and becomes visibly distressed. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer: B. Assess the patient, oxygenation and ventilator connections
- A. Silence the alarm and leave the patient undisturbed
- B. Assess the patient, oxygenation and ventilator connections
- C. Increase the tidal volume to overcome the alarm
- D. Disconnect the ventilator and wait for improvement
Explanation
The patient is assessed before troubleshooting equipment because a high-pressure alarm may result from secretions, biting, bronchospasm or a kinked tube. Increasing tidal volume or disconnecting the ventilator without assessment may worsen hypoxia or injury.
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About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
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