Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

In ventilator management, why is it important to adjust plateau pressure?

1. To minimize patient discomfort

2. To ensure adequate ventilation

3. To reduce the risk of barotrauma

4. To assess lung compliance

The correct answer is: To reduce the risk of barotrauma

Adjusting plateau pressure is important primarily to reduce the risk of barotrauma. Plateau pressure reflects the pressure in the lungs during a period of no airflow, indicating how much pressure is needed to maintain lung expansion without causing injury. Maintaining plateau pressure within a safe range is crucial because elevated pressures can lead to alveolar rupture and significant lung injury, often resulting in conditions such as pneumothorax or other forms of barotrauma. Lowering plateau pressure helps to optimize ventilation without compromising lung integrity, thereby protecting against over-distention of alveoli. It's vital for clinicians to monitor and adjust this pressure in patients requiring mechanical ventilation to avoid the negative consequences associated with excessive pressures while ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. While the other options may hold some relevance in the context of ventilator management, reducing plateaus remains fundamentally tied to preventing barotrauma, making it the priority consideration in this scenario.