In the case of mechanical ventilation, if the cause of the high-pressure alarm is unclear, what should the nurse do?

Providing manual ventilation is a prioritized and immediate response when faced with a high-pressure alarm on a mechanical ventilator, especially when the cause is unclear. This action ensures that the patient continues to receive adequate ventilation and oxygenation while the nurse assesses and resolves the issue. Manual ventilation allows for a hands-on approach to maintain respiratory support, which is crucial in situations where mechanical failure or an obstruction may be present.

Checking the ventilator settings might provide insights into the problem, but it does not directly address the immediate need for patient ventilation. Changing the ventilator mode could further complicate the situation if the nurse has not yet identified the root cause of the alarm. Calling for emergency assistance might be necessary later, but initial actions should focus on safeguarding the patient's breathing. By providing manual ventilation, the nurse can stabilize the patient while troubleshooting the ventilator issue.