What causes low pressure and high pressure alarms in mechanical ventilation?

• A. Low pressure alarms indicate occlusion; High pressure alarms indicate patient coughing.
• B. Low pressure alarms indicate leaks; High pressure alarms indicate biting the ET tube, secretions, obstruction, kink.
• C. Low pressure alarms indicate battery failure
• D. Low pressure alarms indicate power fluctuations

Answer: (B)

Ventilator alarms reflect how hard air is being pushed and how well the circuit and airway are maintaining pressure. A low pressure alarm means the system isn’t able to hold pressure, usually due to a leak in the circuit or a deflated cuff (or a disconnection). A high pressure alarm signals that airflow is being obstructed or resisted, causing the ventilator to push harder—common causes include the patient biting the endotracheal tube, thick secretions or mucus plugging, a kink in the tube, or another blockage in the airway path. If you see a low alarm, check for leaks or disconnections and cuff integrity; if you see a high alarm, look for obstruction and clear secretions or straighten the tube.