What could cause the low volume alarm to sound on a ventilator?

The low volume alarm on a ventilator is typically triggered when the volume of air delivered to the patient is less than what is expected. A common cause for this scenario is disconnected tubing. When tubing becomes disconnected, the ventilator is unable to maintain the set pressure and volume of the air being delivered, resulting in a significant drop in the inspired tidal volume that the alarm detects.

Other scenarios can contribute to similar alarms but may not directly result in low volume alarm conditions. For instance, an obstructed airway could lead to pressure issues but might not trigger a low volume alarm specifically. A leaking cuff could decrease airway pressure and lead to higher leak loss, but it does not guarantee activation of low volume alarms in the same way as disconnected tubing does. Patient overventilation typically results in higher volume delivery and would not activate a low volume alarm.