The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus and method for managing reduced pressure at a tissue site. The apparatus includes a reduced pressure source that generates reduced pressure. The reduced pressure is delivered to the tissue site via a delivery tube. The apparatus includes a single pressure sensor. The single pressure sensor detects an actual reduced pressure at the tissue site. The apparatus also includes a controller. The controller determines a responsiveness of the actual reduced pressure measured by the single pressure sensor to an increase in reduced pressure generated by the reduced pressure source. The apparatus includes an indicator. The indicator emits a signal when the controller determines that the actual reduced pressure measured by the single pressure sensor is nonresponsive to the increase in reduced pressure generated by the reduced pressure source.