Mechanical Vent Test 3 Practice

What does plateau pressure reflect in mechanical ventilation?

Alveolar pressure and lung compliance during an inspiratory hold. Peak airway pressure during dynamic flow. Oxygen diffusion across membranes. Tidal volume measurement during expiration.

Correct Answer:

Tidal volume measurement during expiration.

Explanation:

Plateau pressure is the pressure in the alveoli at end-inspiration when flow has stopped during an inspiratory hold. Because there is no airflow, resistive pressure from the airways disappears, so the measured pressure reflects the alveolar pressure needed to keep the alveoli inflated. This makes plateau pressure a direct indicator of static lung compliance: for a given tidal volume, higher plateau pressure means stiffer lungs (lower compliance). Clinically, we use it with PEEP to estimate static compliance with the formula Cstat = Vt / (Pplat − PEEP). It’s not the peak pressure generated during active flow (which includes airway resistance), not a measure of oxygen diffusion, and not a direct measure of tidal volume during expiration.

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