Final answer:
High inspiratory flows during positive-pressure ventilation primarily benefit by reducing air trapping and potentially decreasing work of breathing, while also possibly increasing lung volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
One benefit of high inspiratory flows during positive-pressure ventilation is reduced air trapping. High inspiratory flows may improve gas exchange to some extent, but the primary benefit lies in reducing the tendency for air to become trapped in the lungs during expiration, particularly in conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This can lead to decreased work of breathing, as the patient does not need to exert as much effort to exhale. High inspiratory flows can also increase lung volume more quickly, but it's important to balance this with the risk of potentially higher peak pressures, which could cause barotrauma. Warming air within the nasal passages provides several advantages, including reducing fluid accumulation from cold, wet air and preventing cell damage caused by cold air, which together can help lower respiratory rates of infection and prevent damage to the lungs.