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 (P_plateau)has remained the same.This most likely indicates which of the following?

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 (P_TA).P_TA is the amount of pressure required to overcome airway resistance (R_aw)(R_aw = P_TA/Flow).Notice that P_TA includes the resistance of the endotracheal tube (ET).A higher than expected difference between PIP and P_plateau suggests an increased R_aw.

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