low pressure alarm if trach comes out?

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This might be a dumb question, but it's never happened to me before.

Does a low pressure alarm on an LTV 950 turn on if the trach comes out?

Oh, I should probably mention this was a shiley 4.0.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

What mode of ventilation were you using? Who is responsible for managing the ventilator? I'm assuming that you are not. Talk to the person who is responsible for ventilator management in your unit; I'm sure they could educate you.

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Specializes in OR, peds, PALS, ICU, camp, school.

If the OP is dealing with an LTV brand vent, I picture this being a homecare scenario. The nurse would be managing the vent with occassional assistance from the DME company's RRT.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
High: suction, clear condensation from the tubing.

Or if the patient is biting the tube.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Home health.

Yes, If anything id disconnected from the vent, including if the trach is dislodged you should get a low pressure alarm.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Home health.

I've noticed on the LTV's it sometimes takes a few breaths before alarms will sound. But the trach should be have ties on it that prevent it from coming out, so you shouldn't have to worry about it anyways!

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What mode of ventilation were you using? Who is responsible for managing the ventilator? I'm assuming that you are not. Talk to the person who is responsible for ventilator management in your unit; I'm sure they could educate you.

Why would you assume I am not responsible for managing the vent?

and....

Did anyone bother to read reply #11? How do you explain that when you think it should alarm when the trach is removed from the patient?

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It is a shiley 4.0. I am imagining the lumen is too small to make enough of a difference to trigger a change in pressure. But, that's just a guess. Like I said, read reply #11 before you comment.

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yes there are vent straps to secure the trach....But, anything is possible.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I assumed you are not responsible for managing the vent because you clearly don't know how to manage a ventilator based on your previous posts. I can't answer these questions for you. I am not familiar with the vent that you are using and it is not in front of me to play with. Like I said before, I suggest finding someone who is more familiar with the vent you are using and have them go over alarm settings with you. The size of the teach should not matter with low pressure alarms.

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Specializes in PACU.

You should NOT depend upon the low pressure alarm notifying you of an unintentional decannulation. The tracheostomy tube can come out and be pushed up against the chest/neck to create enough pressure that the vent will not alarm.

With the tube size you mention it seems likely your patient is a kid, and they like to move around. Ensure that the trach is secured appropriately.

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@CRNA1982..... I am familiar with and responsible for the LTV 950, and my only question was if the alarm would sound if the trach came out of the patient. IT DOESN'T! (reply #11) I know what all the alarms mean. Why is that even in this discussion? I am getting information from people who are familiar with the vents. (CLEARLY it's not you). That's why I asked the question here. Welcome to the world of nursing, where nurses are trained through baptism by fire. If you ever get your hands on a shiley, attach it to an LTV 950 and you'll see there is no alarm. Low pressure setting at 8. SHEESH....

@Perpetual Student....Yes. I also agree that you should not rely on the alarms to notify you of a decannulation, for your reason and the reason I gave in reply #11.

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