Safety in Motion Ventilator Circuit Safety Precautions Objectives

Safety in Motion Ventilator Circuit Safety Precautions

Objectives Upon completing this course, the participant will be able to: Understand the importance of ventilator circuits and their function State reasons for using a ventilator circuit support arm Verbalize safety recommendations when repositioning or transporting patients

Ventilator Circuits The ventilator circuit is an interface between the patient and the mechanical ventilator. A ventilator circuit begins at the ventilator, travels to the patient in order to facilitate respiration, then returns back to the ventilator to assist with monitoring and alarms. The integrity of the ventilator circuit should be maintained at all times. Should the integrity of the ventilator circuit become compromised, the patient may be unable to adequately breathe. The inability to breathe may result in serious injury or death.

Ventilator Circuit Support Arms The ventilator circuit support arm is designed to maintain the circuit in proper position while removing pressure (exerted by gravity) from to the weight of the circuit. Attaching the circuit to the circuit support arm may prevent accidental tracheostomy tube decannulations. If the circuit support arm is used, extra precautions should be taken when repositioning or transporting patients.

Safety recommendations Disconnect the ventilator circuit from the circuit support arm prior to repositioning or transporting any patient. While repositioning or transporting a patient, staff members should insure the integrity of the artificial airway and the ventilator circuit at all times. When rolling a patient away from the ventilator, unlock the ventilator brakes and move the ventilator closer to the bed in order to increase slack in the circuit. Always have manual resuscitation equipment at the bedside to facilitate resuscitation in the event of an accidental tracheostomy tube decannulation.