The Fundamental Benefit of Applying Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) to an 80-Year-Old

The fundamental benefit of applying positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to an 80-year-old patient with a large closing volume would be that PEEP:

A) Increases the area available for gas exchange by opening closed alveoli
B) Increases compliance, making it easier to breathe
C) Promotes an increase in pulmonary blood flow
D) Significantly increases the PaO₂ when the patient is breathing air
E) Stimulates breathing by tonically activating pulmonary stretch receptors