If the insufflator shows low pressure with no flow, which action should be performed first?

If the insufflator shows low pressure with no flow, which action should be performed first?

• A. Check gas level in the tank
• B. Make sure that the insufflator power is on
• C. Check that the monitor is on
• D. Check that the patient is under anesthesia

Answer: (B)

Power must be on for an insufflator to deliver gas. If the unit isn’t powered, there is no pump activity and no flow, so the system will show low pressure with zero flow regardless of gas level or other settings. Verifying that the power switch is on (and that the unit is properly plugged in and any fuses or backup power are functioning) is the quickest way to determine whether the device can actually deliver CO2. Once power is confirmed, you can proceed to check the gas source and tubing, regulator, and flow sensor if flow is still absent. The monitor being on or the patient’s anesthesia status don’t establish gas flow themselves; they depend on the insufflator’s ability to deliver gas.

Power must be on for an insufflator to deliver gas. If the unit isn’t powered, there is no pump activity and no flow, so the system will show low pressure with zero flow regardless of gas level or other settings. Verifying that the power switch is on (and that the unit is properly plugged in and any fuses or backup power are functioning) is the quickest way to determine whether the device can actually deliver CO2. Once power is confirmed, you can proceed to check the gas source and tubing, regulator, and flow sensor if flow is still absent. The monitor being on or the patient’s anesthesia status don’t establish gas flow themselves; they depend on the insufflator’s ability to deliver gas.