Saunders Respiratory Practice

What should the nurse do first when the low-exhaled volume alarm sounds on a ventilator?

1. Assess the client's respiratory effort

2. Ventilate the client with a resuscitation bag

3. Check the ventilator settings

4. Call the physician for orders

The correct answer is: Ventilate the client with a resuscitation bag

When the low-exhaled volume alarm sounds on a ventilator, the priority is to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate ventilation. Ventilating the client with a resuscitation bag is the most immediate and appropriate action to maintain oxygenation and provide necessary respiratory support until the underlying issue causing the alarm can be identified and addressed. This step ensures that the patient is not in distress and helps prevent complications associated with hypoxia. In this scenario, assessing the client's respiratory effort, checking the ventilator settings, or calling the physician for orders are important actions that should follow, but they do not take precedence over ensuring the patient's immediate ventilation needs are met. The focus must first be on stabilizing the patient to ensure their safety and well-being. Once the patient is stabilized with manual ventilation, further investigation into the cause of the alarm can be performed.