Alaris® EtCO2 module
Topic 5: Responding to Alarms

Page 10 of 13

Glossary

Resources

Back

Next

Menu

Exit

High FiCO2 Alarms - Responding to Alarms Using the "APIE" Nursing Process1

Assess:

  • Patient is inspiring exhaled CO22
  • Respiratory distress or shortness of breath
  • Cannula not properly attached to patient
  • O2 flow to mask may have stopped, CO2 build up under mask2

Plan:

  • Review RR and EtCO2 waveform
  • Review PCA/EtCO2 trend data for previous alarm/history

Intervention:

  • Always follow hospital protocols
  • Assess patient and check cannula connections
  • Correct O2 flow to mask (PRN)2
  • Correct drape position, if in use2
  • Consult RT/MD/other clinical resources

Evaluate:

Reevaluate patient

  • response (RR & EtCO2 waveform)
  • airway management/obstruction
  • cannula/mask placement

1Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical Surgical Nursing 9th edition. Smltzer, S.C. & Bare, B.G. Ed. (2000). p. 29 Lippincott
2Education PAK for Critical Care and Procedural Sedation CD-ROM Needham, MA Oridion Medical 2003.