What action should be taken when the high pressure alarm sounds during a therapeutic bronchoscopy?

During a therapeutic bronchoscopy, the environment and dynamic changes in the airway can lead to increased airway resistance, resulting in heightened pressures that trigger a high-pressure alarm. The most appropriate action in this scenario is to address the underlying cause of the high pressure rather than simply increasing the alarm threshold.

One effective approach when the high-pressure alarm sounds is to suction the patient, as this can clear any secretions, mucus plugs, or debris obstructing the airway, thereby reducing the pressure and resolving the alarm condition. The importance of immediate intervention cannot be overstated, since a sustained high pressure can compromise ventilation and oxygenation.

While increasing the high-pressure alarm could prevent the alarm from triggering, it does not solve the problem of potentially inadequate airway patency. Administering a bronchodilator may also be appropriate in the case of bronchospasm but is not the first line action; suctioning directly addresses the likely culprit of the alarm—airway blockage. Reducing PEEP is not typically indicated in the event of a high-pressure alarm during a bronchoscopy, as this could exacerbate issues related to ventilation.

Thus, suctioning the patient helps alleviate airway obstruction and corrects the reason for the alarm activation, ensuring adequate ventilation and patient safety