Question

Identify the clinical benefits of PEEP and CPAP when used in patients. List two side effects that the nurse needs to be aware of when caring for a patient using PEEP and/or CPAP.

Answer 1

(a) POSITIVE END EXPIRATORY PRESSURE (PEEP):-
- It is applied during the end of expiration to maintain the alveolar pressure above atmospheric pressure.
-PEEP is the maintenance of positive pressure within the lungs at the end of expiration.
- PEEP prevent cyclic opening and collapsing alveoli in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients (ARDS).
- PEEP increase functional residual capacity.
- PEEP increase arterioal oxygen tension.

Nursing intervention:- PEEP may affect cardiac function and vital organ perfusion by complex mechanisms, so close monitoring.
(b) CPAP(Continuous positive airway pressure) :-
- It is a form of positive airway pressure which applies mild air pressure on a continuous basis to keep the airways continuously open in people.
- used in patient with obstructive sleep apnea.