Reason for a high pressure alarm on a ventilator is which of the following?

• A. Increase bronchial secretions
• B. Kink in tubing
• C. Acute bronchospasm
• D. Tubing is disconnected

Answer: (B)

High pressure alarms signal that the ventilator is meeting more resistance or demanding more force to push air into the lungs. A kink in the tubing directly obstructs the flow path, so the ventilator must generate higher pressure to deliver the same tidal volume, which triggers the alarm. It’s the most immediate and straightforward cause among common issues. By contrast, tubing disconnection reduces circuit pressure and usually sets off a low-pressure alarm, not a high one. While bronchospasm or secretions can raise airway resistance and contribute to higher pressure, a kinked tube is the classic, most direct culprit for a high pressure alarm.