Assemble and troubleshoot equipment

notes from kettering

list of low flow devices?

• nasal cannula

• simple mask

• partial rebreathing mask

• non-rebreathing mask

list of oxygen conserving devices?

• simple reservoir cannula (not tolerated well)

• pulse dose flow system (well-tolerated)

what do you do if there’s no gas flow felt from a nasal cannula?

• check if flow meter is on

• check for system leak

• check if humidifier-tube connection is obstructed (repair/replace)

what do you do if a bubble humidifier is whistling?

• check for obstruction in tubing

• see if flow is set too high

• check if nares are obstructed (use another device)

what do you do if a reservoir bag stays inflated on inhalation?

• check for a mask leak

• check if inspiratory valve is jammed/reversed

what do you do if a non-rebreather does not slightly contract on inhalation?

tighten mask

what’s the best way to provide a stable FiO2 delivery?

provide total flow of at least 40 LPM so the inspiratory flow needs are met and there’s not air dilution

what’s the cause of the low exhaled Vt alarm on the vent?

• pt disconnect

• low spontaneous Vt

what do you do if the pt is not achieving their volume goal with IS?

• check if pt is exhaling into device

• check pt seal

what does it mean if the FiO2 is reading higher than set with a LVN?

there’s water in the tubing

what should you do if aerosol is disappearing with a briggs adaptor?

increase the flow