After starting volume-cycled mechanical ventilation on a patient in respiratory failure with a V_T of 10 ml/kg, you measure and obtain a plateau pressure of 45 cm H₂O. Which of the following actions would you recommend to the patient's physician? A) Decrease the inspiratory flow. B) Lower the delivered V_T. C) Administer a bronchodilator. D) Add PEEP.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plateau pressure (P_plat) during mechanical ventilation reflects alveolar pressure, the best bedside clinical reflection of transalveolar pressure. Limiting P_platreduces the likelihood of ventilator-induced lung injury, although patients with decreased thoracic compliance may require plateau pressures greater than 30 cm H₂O without resulting overdistention.

After Starting Volume-Cycled Mechanical Ventilation on a Patient in Respiratory