What plateau pressure should be avoided to minimize lung injury during high-PEEP ventilation?

What plateau pressure should be avoided to minimize lung injury during high-PEEP ventilation?

• A. Less than 30 cm H2O
• B. Less than 50 cm H2O
• C. Less than 15 cm H2O
• D. Greater than 45 cm H2O

Answer: (A)

Plateau pressure reflects the pressure across the alveoli during an inspiratory hold and serves as a gauge of how much the lung is being stretched. Keeping this pressure low reduces the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury from overdistension. In high-PEEP ventilation, you aim for a plateau pressure that stays under about 30 cm H2O to protect the lungs. That’s why the statement “less than 30 cm H2O” is the protective target. Higher plateau pressures (like 45–50 cm H2O) increase injury risk, while very low numbers (e.g., 15 cm H2O) may indicate underinflation and inadequate ventilation.

Plateau pressure reflects the pressure across the alveoli during an inspiratory hold and serves as a gauge of how much the lung is being stretched. Keeping this pressure low reduces the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury from overdistension. In high-PEEP ventilation, you aim for a plateau pressure that stays under about 30 cm H2O to protect the lungs. That’s why the statement “less than 30 cm H2O” is the protective target. Higher plateau pressures (like 45–50 cm H2O) increase injury risk, while very low numbers (e.g., 15 cm H2O) may indicate underinflation and inadequate ventilation.