Question

Primary indications for using positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in conjunction with mechanical ventilation include which of the following?

I. when dynamic hyperinflation occurs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients
II. when the imposed work of breathing is excessive
III. when acute lung injury causes refractory hypoxemia

A) I and II

B) I and III

C) II and III

D) I, II, and III

Answer 1

The primary indications for using positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in conjunction with mechanical ventilation include when dynamic hyperinflation occurs in COPD patients, when the imposed work of breathing is excessive, and when acute lung injury causes refractory hypoxemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary indications for using positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in conjunction with mechanical ventilation include I. when dynamic hyperinflation occurs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, II. when the imposed work of breathing is excessive, and III. when acute lung injury causes refractory hypoxemia. Therefore, the correct option is D) I, II, and III. PEEP helps to increase the compliance of the lung, decrease the work of breathing, and improve oxygenation in patients with these conditions. For example, in COPD patients, PEEP can prevent airway collapse and maintain lung volumes during exhalation, reducing dynamic hyperinflation.