The patient-ventilator data over the past few hours demonstrates an increased peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)with a constant transairway pressure (Pᴛᴀ).The respiratory therapist should conclude which of the following?
A) Static compliance (Cₛ)has increased.
B) Static compliance (Cₛ)has decreased.
C) Airway resistance (Rₐᴡ) has increased.
D) Airway resistance (Rₐᴡ) has decreased.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The PIP represents the amount of pressure needed to overcome both elastance and airway resistance.The P_plateau is the amount of pressure required to overcome elastance alone,and is the pressure used to calculate the static compliance.Since Pᴛᴀ has stayed the same,it can be concluded that Rₐᴡ has remained the same.Therefore,the reason the PIP has increased is because of an increase in the P_plateau.This correlates to a decrease in C_s

The Patient-Ventilator Data Over the Past Few Hours Demonstrates an Increased