Humidification and Alarm Systems

38682A ventilator may malfunction during use, therefore, alarms are set to warn of possible dangers related to ventilator systems. To avoid alarms being constantly triggered they should not be set so closely, however, they must be adequate to denote changes in the status of the machine and patient. Below are suggestions for setting common ventilator alarms:

Most Commonly Used Ventilator Alarms
High Pressure Alarm
Detects and limits a volume needing too much force to be delivered. Activated by coughing, increase in secretions, decreased compliance or kinks in ETT or circuit
about 10 cmH2O above PIP
Low Pressure Alarm
Detects leaks in the endotracheal tube or ventilator circuit
about 5 – 10 cmH2O below PIP
High Respiratory Rate
Detects an excessively high respiratory rate
about 10 above average rate but not more than 30 breaths/min
Apnea Alarm
Detects cessation of spontaneous breaths
no more than 20 seconds
Low Exhaled VT
Detects leaks in the endotracheal tube or ventilator circuit
about 10% – 15% below set VT
Low PEEP
Initiates when PEEP level decreases. Activated by leaks in the system
about 2 – 5 cmH2O below PEEP level
Prompt
For this assignment, you will provide detailed responses to the following:
Using the AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines, list the indications, contraindications, hazards/complications and limitations for the use of an HME during invasive mechanical ventilation. Be sure to cite your source.
What criteria must be met when using any heated humidification device with patients receiving mechanical ventilation? Why?
When is the use of heated humidifiers preferred over the use of heat and moisture exchangers (HME)?
Submit your answers in at least 500 words on a Word document. You must cite at least three references in APA format to defend and support your position.