The nurse is caring for a patient on a mechanical ventilator.She suddenly hears the low-pressure alarm sound.What should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The low-pressure alarm sounds when the ventilator has no resistance to inflating the lung.The patient may be disconnected from the ventilator,or a leak may have developed in the ventilator circuit.
The high-pressure alarm usually is set at 10 to 15 cm greater than the peak airway pressure.When this alarm sounds,it indicates the ventilator has met resistance to delivery of the tidal volume.Some patients have coughed during the inspiratory cycle,and some need suctioning or have their position changed.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient on a Mechanical