Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What does PEEP stand for?

1. Positive end-expiratory pressure

2. Positive end-expiratory pulse

3. Passive end-expiratory pressure

4. Pneumatic end-expiratory pressure

The correct answer is: Positive end-expiratory pressure

PEEP stands for Positive End-Expiratory Pressure. It is a critical parameter used in mechanical ventilation to improve oxygenation and lung function. PEEP involves maintaining a certain level of pressure in the airways at the end of expiration, which prevents the alveoli from fully collapsing. This helps to increase the surface area available for gas exchange, thereby improving the patient's oxygenation. Using PEEP can be particularly beneficial in patients with conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or other forms of respiratory failure, providing support to maintain lung recruitment and prevent atelectasis. The application of PEEP allows for better ventilation-perfusion matching, assisting in the overall management of ventilation in critically ill patients. The other options do not accurately represent the meaning of PEEP. "Positive end-expiratory pulse" and "Passive end-expiratory pressure" are incorrect definitions that do not correspond to the recognized terminology in respiratory care. "Pneumatic end-expiratory pressure" does not capture the intended meaning either, as it diverges from the established context in which PEEP is applied. Understanding the exact terminology is essential in the field of anesthesia and respiratory therapy, as it influences patient care and outcomes.