Which intervention reduces airway resistance to help eliminate auto-PEEP?

Which intervention reduces airway resistance to help eliminate auto-PEEP?

• A. Bronchodilators
• B. Diuretics
• C. Sedatives
• D. Antibiotics

Answer: (A)

Auto-PEEP occurs when there isn’t enough time for the lungs to empty before the next breath, causing air trapping and increased intrinsic PEEP. Reducing airway resistance with bronchodilators helps by relaxing airway smooth muscle, which lowers resistance and improves expiratory flow. With easier expulsion of air, more complete exhalation happens during the set expiratory period, reducing dynamic hyperinflation and the amount of trapped air that creates auto-PEEP. Diuretics don’t directly change airway caliber. Sedatives might lessen patient-ventilator effort but don’t reduce airway resistance, and antibiotics target infection rather than the airway mechanics.

Auto-PEEP occurs when there isn’t enough time for the lungs to empty before the next breath, causing air trapping and increased intrinsic PEEP. Reducing airway resistance with bronchodilators helps by relaxing airway smooth muscle, which lowers resistance and improves expiratory flow. With easier expulsion of air, more complete exhalation happens during the set expiratory period, reducing dynamic hyperinflation and the amount of trapped air that creates auto-PEEP.

Diuretics don’t directly change airway caliber. Sedatives might lessen patient-ventilator effort but don’t reduce airway resistance, and antibiotics target infection rather than the airway mechanics.