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# Ventilator Alarms This section describes the different alarms on a ventilator and how to set them. ## Apnea Alarm * **Triggering:** Low volume and low pressure alarms are triggered by apnea (cessation of breathing) and circuit disconnection (i.e., inadvertent disconnections during endotracheal...

# Ventilator Alarms This section describes the different alarms on a ventilator and how to set them. ## Apnea Alarm * **Triggering:** Low volume and low pressure alarms are triggered by apnea (cessation of breathing) and circuit disconnection (i.e., inadvertent disconnections during endotracheal suctioning). * **Setting:** The apnea alarm should be set with a 15- to 20-second delay to account for some delays in the ventilator trigger. * **Troubleshooting:** Inadvertent circuit disconnection, water in the ventilator circuit, kinking of the endotracheal tube, secretions in the airway, bronchospasm, mucus plugs, tension pneumothorax, and increases in airway resistance, can cause the ventilator to trigger an alarm during the apnea. ## High Frequency Alarm * **Triggering:** The high frequency alarm is triggered when the respiratory frequency exceeds 10 breaths per minute above the observed frequency. This may indicate respiratory distress. * **Setting:** Set the high frequency alarm 10 breaths per minute above the observed frequency. * **Troubleshooting:** Refer to Chapter 12, "Management of Mechanical Ventilation," for a more detailed discussion of causes and management strategies. ## High and Low F₂O₂ Alarms * **High F₂O₂ Alarm:** Set 5% to 10% above the analyzed F₂O₂. * **Low F₂O₂ Alarm:** Set 5% to 10% below the analyzed F₂O₂. ## Hazards and Complications Mechanical ventilation has several potential hazards including ventilator disconnections, infections, and complications. The frequency of occurrence is directly related to the length of mechanical ventilation. * **Longer ventilation periods:** Lead to a higher risk of complications.