What are common high-pressure alarm triggers and remedies?

• A. Leaks in the circuit leading to low pressure
• B. Disconnections during vent changes
• C. Humidifier malfunction causing high pressure
• D. Obstruction by secretions, coughing, kinking tube; remedy by clearing airway, suctioning, ensuring circuit intact, reduce VT if needed

Answer: (D)

High-pressure alarms point to increased resistance to airflow or decreased lung compliance, causing peak airway pressure to exceed the set limit. The most common triggers are obstructions in the airway or ventilator circuit: mucus secretions plugging the tube, patient coughing, or a kink or occlusion in the circuit. The remedy directly targets these issues: clear the airway and suction to remove secretions, verify the circuit is intact and free of kinks or disconnections, and if needed, reduce tidal volume or inspiratory effort to lower peak pressure. While humidifier problems can influence pressures, they are less typical triggers for high-pressure alarms, and once airway and circuit issues are addressed, pressure should improve.