PEEP

Question 1

What should PEEP be set to for an adult?

Answer 1

Do not use during cardiac arrest.
5cmH²O for TBI.
10cmH²O for all other conditions.

Question 2

What should PEEP be set to for a child?

Answer 2

Do not use during cardiac arrest.

5cmH²O for all other conditions.

Question 3

What should PEEP be set to for a neonate?

Answer 3

5cmH²O for all conditions, including cardiac arrest.

Question 4

How should PEEP be used in an adult with cardiogenic pulmonary oedema?

Answer 4

Use a manual ventilation bag.
Set PEEP to 10cmH²O.
Do not assist breathing unless needed.
Increase to 15cmH²O if patient is not improving.

Question 5

How does PEEP work?

Answer 5

PEEP improves oxygenation, improves ventilation and reduces workload of breathing by:

• expiratory pressure keeps airways open to stop lung collapse.
• positive pressure in thoratic cavity reduces preload of right ventricle by reduces venous return to the heart.
• positive pressure in thoractic cavity increases afterload and reduces venous return to the heart, reduces blood flow to the lungs, and reducing fluid entering lungs.
• Increases air in lungs at end of expiration (functional residual capacity)