The nurse cares for a client receiving positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) while being mechanically ventilated. The nurse understands that this setting is used to
The nurse cares for a client receiving positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) while being mechanically ventilated. The nurse understands that this setting is used to
A. give a set amount of inspiratory pressure.
[13%]
B. prevent closure of the small airways during expiration.
[53%]
C. allow spontaneous breaths between mandatory ones.
[11%]
D. deliver a preset tidal volume with each breath.
[22%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Critical Care
Lesson
Critical Care Concepts
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is used in clients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) because it improves lung compliance and oxygenation. This is accomplished by adding pressure at exhalation to keep the alveoli open. PEEP is a setting that may be added to a variety of ventilator modes.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. PEEP does not give an amount of pressure upon inspiration. This description is appropriate for pressure support ventilation which provides pressure when the client takes a spontaneous breath. A client allowed to take spontaneous breaths between mandatory ones is a SIMV and AC modes feature. The critical difference between SIMV and AC is that when a client takes a spontaneous breath, they are forced to take in the prescribed tidal volume, whereas SIMV they can take in their own tidal volume during that spontaneous breath. PEEP does not have anything to do with tidal volumes, and giving a preset tidal volume with each breath would be an appropriate description for the AC mode.
Related Videos
3 Key Topics
Ventilators- Critical Care
27.1 Critical Care Respiratory System
Additional Info
When caring for a client on a ventilator, you should be familiar with the following settings:
- Mode (Volume [SIMV, A/C] or Pressure [PSV])
- Rate (Number of breaths per minute)
- Tidal volume (the amount of gas delivered to the client)
- Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 - the percentage of oxygen given per breath)
- PEEP (pressure added at exhalation to keep the small airways open and mitigate atelectasis)
- Pressure support (PS - provides added pressure when the client takes a spontaneous breath)
