Ace the CPFT Challenge 2025 – Breathe Easy with Pulmonary Success!

Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) is a crucial component in mechanical ventilation and plays an essential role in enhancing lung function. It serves to maintain a certain level of pressure in the airways at the end of expiration, which prevents the collapse of alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. By keeping alveoli open during expiration, PEEP improves oxygenation and allows for better ventilation-perfusion matching.

With the application of PEEP, more surface area in the lungs remains available for gas exchange, which can significantly enhance oxygen delivery and improve overall lung compliance. This is particularly beneficial in patients with conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or other forms of lung injury where atelectasis (collapse of lung regions) is a concern.

While other options mention aspects related to lung function, they do not directly address the primary mechanism and importance of PEEP in terms of maintaining alveolar function and overall pulmonary health.