RT-19 · Equipment

Equipment Assembly & Troubleshooting

The NBRC tests equipment failure constantly: what breaks, what the patient looks like when it breaks, and the fix you perform before you call anyone.

~20 min read3 concept sections·2 questions with rationale

What you'll be able to do

  • Assemble and verify ventilator circuits, humidifiers, and gas delivery devices
  • Localize a leak, an obstruction, and a power or gas source failure
  • Interpret alarm patterns as physiologic versus equipment problems
  • Apply the rule: if the device fails and the patient is unstable, disconnect and bag
Concept breakdown
01

Verify before you connect

Every assembly is checked the same way: power, gas source, circuit integrity, then a functional test against a test lung.

  • Ventilator pre-use check: leak test at 30 cm H2O, verify delivered volume against set volume on a test lung, confirm oxygen analyzer accuracy at 21% and 100%, confirm alarms annunciate.
  • Humidifier: water level between the min and max lines, temperature probe at the patient wye, heated-wire circuit set 2–3 degrees above chamber temperature to limit rainout.
  • Manual resuscitator: check valve function, mask seal, oxygen reservoir attached, and flow of 10–15 L/min before it is ever needed.
  • Suction: verify wall vacuum at −80 to −120 mm Hg for adults with the tubing occluded, not open.
At the bedside

A device that has not been functionally tested against a test lung has not been checked — a visual inspection catches almost nothing.

Practice quiz

Check yourself before you read the rationale.

Question 1 of 1

A ventilated patient triggers a high peak pressure alarm. Peak pressure is 52 cm H2O and plateau pressure is 20 cm H2O. The most likely cause is:

Practice questions

Answer first, then read why the distractors fail.

Question 1

A ventilated patient triggers a high peak pressure alarm. Peak pressure is 52 cm H2O and plateau pressure is 20 cm H2O. The most likely cause is:

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2 more concept sections, 1 more question, and the exam-day playbook for this module.

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