What is the purpose of using PEEP in ventilatory support?

What is the purpose of using PEEP in ventilatory support?

• A. To increase the tidal volume delivered
• B. To reduce the collapsing of the alveoli at end expiration
• C. To enhance patient comfort during mechanical ventilation
• D. To synchronize ventilator breaths with patients' efforts

Answer: (B)

The use of PEEP, or Positive End-Expiratory Pressure, in ventilatory support primarily serves the purpose of reducing the collapse of alveoli at end expiration. By maintaining positive pressure in the airways at the end of expiration, PEEP helps to keep the alveoli open, preventing atelectasis (the collapse of lung tissue). This results in improved gas exchange, as more surface area remains available for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange within the lungs. In addition to its role in preventing atelectasis, PEEP can also improve overall lung compliance and oxygenation by recruiting collapsed lung units and improving ventilation-perfusion matching. This is particularly important in patients with conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), where maintaining alveolar stability is crucial for effective respiratory function. While the other options describe various aspects of mechanical ventilation, they do not capture the primary function of PEEP, which focuses on maintaining alveolar stability and improving oxygenation by preventing collapse at the end of expiration.

The use of PEEP, or Positive End-Expiratory Pressure, in ventilatory support primarily serves the purpose of reducing the collapse of alveoli at end expiration. By maintaining positive pressure in the airways at the end of expiration, PEEP helps to keep the alveoli open, preventing atelectasis (the collapse of lung tissue). This results in improved gas exchange, as more surface area remains available for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange within the lungs.

In addition to its role in preventing atelectasis, PEEP can also improve overall lung compliance and oxygenation by recruiting collapsed lung units and improving ventilation-perfusion matching. This is particularly important in patients with conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), where maintaining alveolar stability is crucial for effective respiratory function.

While the other options describe various aspects of mechanical ventilation, they do not capture the primary function of PEEP, which focuses on maintaining alveolar stability and improving oxygenation by preventing collapse at the end of expiration.