An alarm sounds on a person's ventilator. What should you do first?

When an alarm sounds on a ventilator, the first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Checking to see if the airway is attached to the machine addresses the most immediate concern: if the airway is disconnected, the patient is not receiving adequate ventilation, which could lead to hypoxia or respiratory failure.

By verifying the connection, you are assessing the situation critical to the patient's current respiratory status. This step allows you to identify and rectify the issue quickly so that the patient can be stabilized before taking further actions, such as resetting the alarm or seeking assistance from the nurse.

It's essential to address potential disconnections or malfunctions directly associated with patient safety before considering follow-up actions like calling for help or inquiring about the patient’s experience, as these could potentially delay the necessary intervention.