The nurse is caring for a patient whose ventilator settings include 15 cm H?O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).The nurse understands that although beneficial,PEEP may result in:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positive end-expiratory pressure,especially at higher levels,can result in a decreased cardiac output and index secondary to increased intrathoracic pressure,which impedes venous return.Fluid overload is not an expected finding.The cardiac index would likely decrease,not increase,along with cardiac output.PEEP is used to treat hypoxemia; it does not cause it.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Whose Ventilator Settings