Prophecy Emergency Department Registered Nurse (RN) Practice Test 2025 - Free Prophecy RN Exam Questions and Study Guide

When an intubated patient becomes agitated and the ventilator alarms, the immediate priority is to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate ventilation and that there are no mechanical issues with the ventilator setup. Checking the ventilator tubing for disconnection is a critical first step because disconnections or leaks can lead to inadequate ventilation, which would understandably cause patient agitation. Addressing any disconnections or malfunctions quickly can help stabilize the patient and prevent further complications.

Once the integrity of the ventilator setup is confirmed, other interventions such as sedation, calling for respiratory therapy, or reassessing vital signs can be performed. However, these actions should come after confirming that the equipment is functioning properly and that the patient is safe. By prioritizing the assessment of the ventilator connections, you are taking a proactive approach to manage the potential causes of the patient's agitation and ventilator alarms.