What is the recommended maximum plateau pressure?

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Multiple Choice

What is the recommended maximum plateau pressure?

Plateau pressure is the pressure in the alveoli during an inspiratory hold when airflow is paused, so it reflects the distending pressure on the lung tissue rather than airway resistance. The goal is to prevent overdistension and ventilator-induced lung injury, so we keep plateau pressure at or below 30 cmH2O. If plateau pressure approaches or exceeds this, you adjust tidal volume (often down to about 4–6 mL/kg predicted body weight) and optimize PEEP to maintain oxygenation while staying under the threshold. Therefore, the recommended maximum plateau pressure is 30 cmH2O.

Plateau pressure is the pressure in the alveoli during an inspiratory hold when airflow is paused, so it reflects the distending pressure on the lung tissue rather than airway resistance. The goal is to prevent overdistension and ventilator-induced lung injury, so we keep plateau pressure at or below 30 cmH2O. If plateau pressure approaches or exceeds this, you adjust tidal volume (often down to about 4–6 mL/kg predicted body weight) and optimize PEEP to maintain oxygenation while staying under the threshold. Therefore, the recommended maximum plateau pressure is 30 cmH2O.

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