TYK58
According to most ARDS literature, what is the goal plateau pressure?
A. <20 cm H20
B. <25 cm H20
C. <30 cm H20
D. <40 cm H20
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According to most ARDS literature, what is the goal plateau pressure?
A. <20 cm H20
B. <25 cm H20
C. <30 cm H20
D. <40 cm H20
The answer is C. Although you always want to target the LOWEST pressure possible for an adequate minute ventilation, most ARDS literature supports a goal of keeping the plateau pressures in less than 30 cm H20. Make sure the question doesn’t give you PEAK inspiratory pressure. Although PIP and PLATEAU are about the same in pressure mode ventilation, they are NOT always equal (especially in volume ventilation). You often need an inspiratory hold in volume ventilation to get a true estimation of plateau pressure. Remeber, the plateau pressure is what is transmitted to the alveoli while the PEAK pressure is what is transmitted to the more proximal airway.