What is the primary function of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in ventilation?

What is the primary function of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in ventilation?

• A. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
• B. To deliver a consistent tidal volume
• C. To adjust the respiratory rate automatically
• D. To control the patient's sedation levels

Answer: (A)

The primary function of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in ventilation is to prevent airway collapse during expiration. CPAP maintains a constant pressure in the airway, which helps keep the alveoli open and prevents the collapse that may occur during expiration, especially in patients with conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This sustained airway pressure enhances gas exchange and improves oxygenation by increasing functional residual capacity and preventing atelectasis, thus contributing to better overall respiratory function. In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the main purpose of CPAP. While delivering a consistent tidal volume and adjusting the respiratory rate are functions associated with different modes of mechanical ventilation, CPAP specifically focuses on maintaining upper airway patency rather than directly controlling these parameters. Additionally, controlling sedation levels is unrelated to the mechanical aspects of ventilation and falls under the province of pharmacologic management rather than CPAP's respiratory support function.

The primary function of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in ventilation is to prevent airway collapse during expiration. CPAP maintains a constant pressure in the airway, which helps keep the alveoli open and prevents the collapse that may occur during expiration, especially in patients with conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This sustained airway pressure enhances gas exchange and improves oxygenation by increasing functional residual capacity and preventing atelectasis, thus contributing to better overall respiratory function.

In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the main purpose of CPAP. While delivering a consistent tidal volume and adjusting the respiratory rate are functions associated with different modes of mechanical ventilation, CPAP specifically focuses on maintaining upper airway patency rather than directly controlling these parameters. Additionally, controlling sedation levels is unrelated to the mechanical aspects of ventilation and falls under the province of pharmacologic management rather than CPAP's respiratory support function.