Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation when the low-pressure alarm sounds. Which of the following situations should the nurse recognize as a possible cause of the alarm?

A) The endotracheal tube becomes occluded.
B) The client coughs forcefully.
C) There is a leak in the ventilator circuit.
D) The client's respiratory rate increases.

Answer 1

The low-pressure alarm on a mechanical ventilator most likely indicates a leak in the ventilator circuit or a disconnection in the tubing, which corresponds to option C of the provided choices.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a low-pressure alarm sounds on a mechanical ventilator, it typically indicates that there is a disconnection or leak in the ventilator circuit, or that a client's ventilator tubing has become disconnected. Therefore, the correct answer is C) There is a leak in the ventilator circuit. Other options are less likely: A) An occluded endotracheal tube usually triggers a high-pressure alarm, B) a forceful cough would not typically cause a low-pressure alarm, and D) an increased respiratory rate by the client is not directly associated with a low-pressure alarm.

Understanding the cause of alarms in mechanical ventilation is crucial for patient care. It helps ensure that the patient is receiving adequate ventilation and that any issues are promptly addressed. When a mechanical ventilator is not delivering the expected pressure, healthcare professionals must quickly investigate common causes such as disconnections, leaks, or equipment malfunctions.