If the cause of a high-pressure alarm cannot be determined, what is the appropriate action?

In the situation described, manually oxygenating the patient becomes the most appropriate action if the cause of a high-pressure alarm cannot be determined. This is because a high-pressure alarm typically indicates that something is obstructing airflow or making it difficult for the ventilator to deliver the set tidal volume or pressure. If the underlying issue is unknown, the immediate priority is to ensure that the patient is still receiving adequate oxygenation.

Manually oxygenating the patient provides a direct means of maintaining oxygenation while further investigation into the potential causes of the alarm can take place. Options that involve adjusting ventilator settings or changing the patient's position may risk further complications or delays in addressing the underlying problem. Calling the respiratory therapist might also involve a delay in ensuring the patient's immediate needs are met. Therefore, manual oxygenation ensures patient safety and stability until the cause of the alarm can be identified and resolved.