A patient with acute lung failure has been on a ventilator for 3 days and is being considered for weaning.The ventilator high-pressure limit alarm keeps alarming.What would cause this problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High-pressure alarms will sound because of improper alarm setting; airway obstruction resulting from patient fighting ventilator (holding breath as ventilator delivers Vt); patient circuit collapse; kinked tubing; the endotracheal tube in the right mainstem bronchus or against the carina; cuff herniation; increased airway resistance resulting from bronchospasm,airway secretions,plugs,and coughing; water from the humidifier in the ventilator tubing; and decreased lung compliance resulting from tension pneumothorax,change in patient position,acute respiratory distress syndrome,pulmonary edema,atelectasis,pneumonia,or abdominal distention.

A Patient with Acute Lung Failure Has Been on a Ventilator