Which statement by the nurse when explaining the purpose of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the patient's caregiver is accurate?
"PEEP prevents the lung air sacs from collapsing during exhalation."
"PEEP allows the breathing machine to deliver 100% 02 to the lungs."
"PEEP will push more air into the lungs during inhalation."
"PEEP will prevent lung damage while the patient is on the ventilator."
The Correct Answer is A
A. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is applied during mechanical ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration. It helps maintain the patency of the alveoli, improving oxygenation and preventing atelectasis.
B. While PEEP can improve oxygenation by recruiting collapsed alveoli and increasing functional residual capacity, it does not directly affect the concentration of oxygen delivered by the ventilator. Oxygen concentration is adjusted separately from PEEP settings.
C. PEEP is applied at the end of expiration to maintain positive pressure in the airways and alveoli, preventing them from collapsing. It does not directly affect the delivery of air during inhalation.
D. PEEP can help prevent lung damage by maintaining alveolar recruitment and reducing the risk of atelectasis and barotrauma. However, it is not the sole factor in preventing lung damage, and other ventilator settings and strategies also play a role in protecting the lungs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
In respiratory acidosis, there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood due to inadequate ventilation, leading to an increase in the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and a decrease in pH.
This is often caused by conditions that impair ventilation, such as airway obstruction, respiratory muscle weakness, lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia), or central nervous system depression (e.g., drug overdose, head injury).
Management of respiratory acidosis include bronchodilators, sodium bicarbonate, adequate ventilation, and treatment of underlying causes.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Sodium nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to reduce systemic vascular resistance and afterload, thereby improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion in cardiogenic shock. In this scenario, where the patient has cool and clammy skin with high SVR, indicating peripheral vasoconstriction,
increasing the rate of sodium nitroprusside infusion can help vasodilate peripheral vessels, reduce afterload, and improve tissue perfusion
A. Dopamine is a medication commonly used in the management of cardiogenic shock to increase cardiac output and systemic blood pressure. However, in this scenario where the patient is cool and clammy with high SVR, indicating vasoconstriction and potential peripheral hypoperfusion, increasing the rate of dopamine infusion may further increase systemic vascular resistance and exacerbate peripheral vasoconstriction. This can worsen tissue perfusion and exacerbate the patient's condition.
.
C. Nitroglycerin is another vasodilator commonly used in the management of cardiogenic shock to reduce preload and afterload, thereby improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion. However, decreasing the rate of nitroglycerin infusion may further exacerbate vasoconstriction and increase SVR, worsening tissue perfusion in this scenario. Therefore, decreasing the rate of nitroglycerin infusion is not indicated.
D. Intravenous fluids such as 5% dextrose in normal saline are typically administered to maintain adequate intravascular volume and perfusion pressure in shock states. However, decreasing the rate of intravenous fluid infusion may further decrease intravascular volume and preload, potentially exacerbating hypoperfusion and worsening the patient's condition. Therefore, decreasing the rate of intravenous fluid infusion is not indicated in this scenario.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
