A 38-year-old man is admitted to the hospital after the onset of severe abdominal pain and vomiting. He has a history of alcohol use disorder, and he is diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Two days after later, he has worsening dyspnea. His temperature is 38.3°C (100.9°F), pulse is 120/min, respirations are 30/min, and blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 85%. The patient is intubated and mechanically ventilated with a positive end-expiratory pressure of 10 cm H₂O is applied. Physical examination shows diffuse lung crackles. Chest x-ray reveals new bilateral opacities. Which of the following is the most likely effect of this latter intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Positive end-expiratory pressure helps treat acute respiratory distress syndrome by opening collapsed alveoli to reduce intrapulmonary shunting and increase functional residual capacity (FRC).  The increased FRC decreases ventilation-perfusion mismatching and increases the oxygen reserves in the lungs.

A 38-Year-Old Man Is Admitted to the Hospital After the Onset