In providing care to a patient on mechanical ventilation, what is the purpose of the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)?

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a mode of mechanical ventilation that serves multiple critical purposes, primarily enhancing oxygenation, reducing the work of breathing, and preventing atelectasis.

When PEEP is applied, it increases the pressure in the airways at the end of expiration, which helps to keep the alveoli open. This expansion allows for better gas exchange, as more lung units are available for oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide elimination, thus enhancing oxygenation overall.

Additionally, by keeping the airways and alveoli open, PEEP reduces the effort required by the patient to breathe. When more alveoli are recruited and remain inflated, the patient can achieve adequate ventilation with less metabolic work, which is particularly important in those with compromised respiratory function.

Furthermore, one of the primary goals of PEEP is to prevent atelectasis, which occurs when alveoli collapse, leading to impaired gas exchange, further complicating respiratory conditions. By preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation, PEEP helps maintain lung volume and improves overall lung compliance.

Therefore, the comprehensive benefits of PEEP in mechanical ventilation include enhancing oxygenation, decreasing the work of breathing, and preventing atelectasis, making "all of the above" the most accurate choice