Which of the following is an advantage of using PEEP?

Using Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) offers several advantages in critical care, and one of the primary benefits is its ability to reduce the work of breathing while preserving Functional Residual Capacity (FRC).

When PEEP is applied, it increases the pressure in the airways at the end of expiration, which helps to keep the alveoli open. This prevents their collapse and maintains an increased volume of air in the lungs. By doing this, PEEP enhances oxygenation by improving ventilation-perfusion matching and recruiting collapsed lung units, which can significantly increase the available surface area for gas exchange.

Additionally, by maintaining FRC, PEEP reduces the effort required by the respiratory muscles to inflate the lungs with each breath. This can be especially beneficial for patients with respiratory failure or those requiring mechanical ventilation, as it alleviates some of the demands on their respiratory system and can improve overall comfort and oxygenation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary advantages or intended effects of PEEP. The use of PEEP does not typically increase the patient's heart rate; rather, its primary function is related to respiratory mechanics and oxygenation. Similarly, PEEP does not prevent air from entering the lungs; it serves to