Question

Which of the following describes the purpose of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for a patient with COPD?

1) Treatment for status asthmaticus
2) Treat ventilatory failure
3) Decrease WOB
4) Treat chronic hypocapnia

Answer 1

NIPPV for COPD patients is intended to treat ventilatory failure, decrease the work of breathing, and assist with lung volume expansion. The correct option is - 2) Treat ventilatory failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for a patient with COPD is to treat ventilatory failure, decrease the work of breathing (WOB), and to help increase lung volume. NIPPV, including devices like CPAP and BiPAP, delivers pressurized air through a mask, thereby supporting the patient's breathing. This is particularly helpful in conditions where the muscles of respiration are fatigued or in cases of acute exacerbations of COPD, where patients have difficulty expelling carbon dioxide, leading to ventilatory failure. By providing ventilatory support, NIPPV can reduce the effort required to breathe, improve gas exchange, and potentially prevent the need for more invasive forms of ventilation, like intubation with mechanical ventilation.

The purpose of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for a patient with COPD is to decrease the work of breathing. COPD is a lung disease characterized by chronic poor airflow, which causes shortness of breath. NIPPV helps alleviate the symptoms by providing positive pressure during inhalation, making it easier for the patient to breathe. It does not directly treat status asthmaticus, ventilatory failure, or chronic hypocapnia.