During the course of several patient-ventilator system checks a respiratory therapist notices that the patient's peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)is rising,while the plateau pressure (Pₚₗₐₜₑₐᵤ)has remained the same.This most likely indicates which of the following?
A) Decrease in dynamic compliance
B) Increase in airway resistance
C) Decrease in static compliance
D) Increase in elastic recoil of alveolar walls

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference between the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)and plateau pressure (P_plateau)readings (PIP - P_plateau)is the transairway pressure (PPᴛᴀ).PPᴛᴀ is the amount of pressure required to overcome airway resistance (Rₐᴡ)(Rₐᴡ = PPᴛᴀ/Flow).Notice that PPᴛᴀ includes the resistance of the endotracheal tube (ET).A higher than expected difference between PIP and P_plateausuggests an increased R_aw.

During the Course of Several Patient-Ventilator System Checks a Respiratory