Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)

Question 1

What does PEEP stand for?

Answer 1

Positive End Expiratory Pressure

Question 2

True or False. PEEP is used during mechanically assisted ventilation.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What effect does PEEP have on the alveoli?

Answer 3

PEEP maintains a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure in the alveoli at the end of expiration

Question 4

What is the root physiological problem PEEP aims to fix?

Answer 4

Alveoli collapsing under atmospheric pressure and not being recruited or available for pulmonary respiration

Question 5

What is the indication for PEEP, under the simplest terms?

Answer 5

Lack of oxygenation, even with high flow oxygen via BVM

Question 6

What is surfactant and what is its function within the alveoli?

Answer 6

Surfactant is a mixture of lipids and proteins with a primary function of lowering the surface tension at the air/liquid interface of the alveoli

Question 7

PEEP values generally start at what pressure?

Answer 7

5 cm/H2O

Question 8

How does PEEP affect intrathoracic pressure?

Answer 8

PEEP increases intrathoracic pressure

Question 9

Does PEEP have any contraindications?

Answer 9

In some protocols, cardiac arrest and hypotension are contraindicated due to PEEP increasing intrathoracic pressure

Question 10

Does PEEP help obstructive or nonobstructive causes of alveolar collapse?

Answer 10

Nonobstructive