When caring for an intubated client receiving mechanical ventilation, the nurse hears the high-pressure alarm. Which action is most appropriate?

A. Check that tubing connections are secured: Ensuring tubing is properly connected is important to maintain circuit integrity and prevent accidental disconnection, but disconnections typically trigger low-pressure alarms, not high-pressure alarms. This does not address the immediate cause of elevated airway pressures. B. Remove secretions by suctioning: High-pressure alarms indicate increased resistance in the airway, commonly due to mucus plugs, bronchospasm, or kinked tubing. Suctioning can clear secretions that are obstructing airflow, reduce airway resistance, and lower peak inspiratory pressures. Prompt intervention prevents barotrauma, alveolar overdistension, and hypoxemia. C. Lower the setting of the tidal volume: Reducing tidal volume could decrease peak airway pressures but does not treat the underlying cause of obstruction or increased airway resistance. Adjusting ventilator settings without resolving the obstruction can compromise ventilation and oxygenation. D. Obtain a specimen for arterial blood gases: While ABGs provide information about oxygenation and ventilation status, they do not immediately correct the cause of high airway pressures. Waiting for ABG results before addressing airway resistance could allow hypoxemia or lung injury to worsen.