Continuous airway pressure alarm

Manifestations	Continuous elevated airway pressure on gauge
	Recent increase in PEEP setting
	Hyperinflated reservoir bag
	Recent conversion from facemask to ETT or LMA
Potential causes	Patient factors (none)
	Equipment factors
	Obstruction of expiratory limb of breathing system
	PEEP valve
	Expiratory one-way valve
	Obstructed breathing system exhaust
	APL valve closed or obstructed
	Ventilator relief valve closed or obstructed
	Tubing obstruction between relief valve(s) and scavenger
	Scavenger system outflow obstruction
	Low scavenger outflow with blocked safety valve
Suggested responses	Disconnect patient from breathing system
	Open APL valve
	Turn down fresh gas flow rate
	Verify scavenger system operational

PEEP: positive end-expiratory pressure; ETT: endotracheal tube; LMA: laryngeal mask airway; APL: adjustable pressure limiting.

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