Ventilator Alarms (Deep Dive R33)

DOPES D-Displacement – endotracheal tube dislodges from trachea, or falls into right mainstem bronchus O-Obstruction – Mucous plugging, bronchospasm, patient biting tube P –Pneumothorax – Look out for pneumothorax, it can be subtle E – Equipment – Disconnected/unpowered equipment, ensure everything is powered on and connected appropriately S – Stacking – common in asthma/COPD due to inadequate expiration resulting in air trapping between breaths Further Reading LITFL – Post-Intubation Hypoxia CanadiEM – Approach to the Alarming Vent