What is the purpose of applying higher-than-normal pressure to the alveoli during recruitment maneuvers?

Applying higher-than-normal pressure to the alveoli during recruitment maneuvers aims to force open collapsed alveoli. When alveoli become collapsed, often due to conditions such as atelectasis, they cannot participate effectively in gas exchange. By using increased pressure, healthcare providers can overcome the inherent surface tension in the alveolar walls, effectively reopening these collapsed areas and allowing them to function again. This recruitment of additional alveoli helps increase overall lung compliance and surface area for gas exchange, improving oxygenation and ventilation in patients.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary purpose of recruitment maneuvers. While reducing tidal volume or preventing airway obstruction may be relevant in broader aspects of respiratory management, they do not directly relate to the specific function of opening collapsed alveoli through the application of increased pressure. Similarly, stabilizing pleural pressure is not a direct objective of these maneuvers but rather concerns the mechanics of ventilation and the overall thoracic cavity dynamics. Thus, forcing open collapsed alveoli represents the key goal in this context.