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Model
What This Guide Helps With
AIRWAY PRESSURE HIGH alarm indicating elevated airway pressure due to obstruction, kinked circuit, or low alarm limit affecting safe ventilation.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Immediately assess patient and ventilation status
- Switch to manual ventilation or alternate device if needed
- Confirm adequate chest rise and oxygenation
Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior
- Confirm alarm is active
- Observe when it occurs (inspiration, continuous, intermittent)
- Check airway pressure readings
- Assess patient compliance and chest rise
Check Breathing Circuit for Kinks or Obstruction
- Inspect hoses for kinks or compression
- Check for twisted tubing
- Look for water accumulation
- Inspect filters or HME for blockage
Check Patient Interface and Airway
- Inspect ETT for kinks or biting
- Check for secretions or mucus plug
- Verify proper tube positioning
- Suction airway if needed
Evaluate Adjustable Pressure Limit Settings
- Check high airway pressure alarm limit
- Compare to appropriate clinical range
- Adjust if set too low
Check Ventilator Mode and Settings
- Review tidal volume
- Check inspiratory flow rate
- Evaluate PEEP settings
- Reduce aggressive settings if appropriate
Inspect Expiratory Valve and Scavenging System
- Check for stuck or malfunctioning expiratory valve
- Inspect scavenging system for blockage
- Ensure no excess back pressure
Perform a System Check / Leak Test
- Run system self-test if available
- Verify no pressure-related faults
If the Problem Persists
If all external causes (circuit, airway, settings, scavenging) are ruled out and the alarm continues:
- Remove the machine from service
- Label Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot airway pressure alarms on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup device before continuing.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Device alarming 'AIRWAY PRESSURE HIGH !!!' during ventilation with elevated airway pressure readings."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Breathing circuit kinked near patient connection causing airflow obstruction."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Straightened/replaced circuit and verified normal pressures and operation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
High airway pressure alarms must always be taken seriously. Start with simple physical causes, verify settings, and escalate appropriately to protect patient safety and equipment integrity.
That is successful troubleshooting.