What typically triggers high pressure alarms in monitoring equipment?

High-pressure alarms in monitoring equipment are typically triggered when the machine encounters resistance and cannot deliver the required airflow effectively. This is commonly due to an obstruction in the airway or the ventilator circuit, preventing it from pushing air into the patient’s lungs. When the pressure within the system exceeds a certain threshold, the alarm activates as a safety measure to alert the healthcare provider to investigate the cause of the obstruction and ensure the patient receives proper ventilation.

While fluid overload can lead to increased airway pressure and complications, it is not the primary trigger for high-pressure alarms. Low oxygen levels do not directly cause the high-pressure alarm; they would more commonly lead to low oxygen warnings or alarms. Patient movement can cause temporary changes in pressure readings, but it usually does not directly result in a persistent high-pressure alarm unless it causes a significant obstruction or dislodgment of equipment.