Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

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What is one of the main goals of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) therapy?

To improve CO2 elimination
To treat metabolic acidosis
To reduce postoperative abdominal bleeding
To allow reduction in FiO2 support

The correct answer is: To allow reduction in FiO2 support

One of the main goals of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) therapy is to allow for a reduction in FiO2 support. PEEP is used in mechanical ventilation to maintain open alveoli at the end of expiration. By doing so, it improves lung compliance and increases the surface area available for gas exchange, which enhances oxygenation. This improved oxygenation often enables healthcare providers to decrease the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) that a patient requires to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels. Reducing FiO2 is particularly important to minimize the risk of oxygen toxicity, especially in patients who may require prolonged mechanical ventilation or have underlying lung conditions. While improving CO2 elimination may occur as a secondary effect of better ventilation, that is not the primary purpose of PEEP. Similarly, treating metabolic acidosis and reducing postoperative abdominal bleeding do not relate to the primary functions of PEEP therapy, which focuses on improving oxygenation through enhanced lung mechanics.