A ventilated client’s high-pressure alarm sounds and the SpO2 begins to fall. The nurse notes the ventilator tubing is kinked under the bed rail. What should the nurse do first?

Question

Accepted Answer

B. Straighten the tubing to remove the kink — A high-pressure alarm often indicates obstruction (kinked tubing, biting, secretions). Correct the simplest reversible cause first—remove the kink—then reassess the client.

Answer

A. Silence the alarm and continue to monitor

Answer

C. Increase the FiO2 to 100%

Answer

D. Disconnect the ventilator and bag the client for 10 minutes