A client's ventilator continues to alarm; however, the oxygen saturation is 98% and the client's capnography readings have not changed. The nurse is unable to determine the cause for the alarms. After notifying respiratory therapy to come to the room, what action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should stay in the room in case of client deterioration while waiting for respiratory therapy. If the nurse is unable to determine the cause for the alarms, he or she may need to disconnect the client from the ventilator and manually provide breaths. However, this client's oxygen saturation is well within defined limits and the capnography reading has not changed, indicating the tube is in the correct place and the ventilator is oxygenating the client, indicating that manually providing breaths is not needed. It is unnecessary to inform the charge nurse or request ABGs at this time.

A Client's Ventilator Continues to Alarm; However, the Oxygen Saturation