Which of the following are true about intermittent positive-pressure breathing?
1) During inspiration, pressure in the alveoli decreases.
2) The pressure gradients of normal breathing are reversed.
3) During inspiration, alveolar pressure may exceed pleural pressure.
4) Energy stored during inspiration causes a passive exhalation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intermittent positive-pressure breathing (IPPB) involves reversing the normal pressure gradients of breathing by applying positive pressure to the airways during inspiration. This means that, unlike in normal breathing where alveolar pressure decreases during inspiration, in IPPB, alveolar pressure may exceed pleural pressure due to the positive pressure applied. The energy stored in the lungs' elastic recoil during the positive pressure inspiration facilitates a passive exhalation, making statements 2, 3, and 4 correct. Statement 1 is incorrect because, during IPPB, the pressure in the alveoli increases, not decreases, during inspiration.

Which of the Following Are True About Intermittent Positive-Pressure Breathing