Physiologic And Monitoring Practice Test

Auto-PEEP is best described as?

Air trapping due to incomplete expiration Improved oxygenation with full exhalation Reduced dead space ventilation Decreased airway resistance

Correct Answer:

Air trapping due to incomplete expiration

Explanation:

Auto-PEEP is air trapping that happens when expiration is incomplete before the next breath starts, so positive pressure remains in the airways at the end of expiration. This intrinsic PEEP builds up on the ventilator when the expiratory time is too short, or airway resistance is high, or the respiratory rate is rapid. The result is dynamic hyperinflation, higher end-expiratory airway pressure, and can impair venous return and hemodynamics, with a risk of barotrauma. This description fits best because it emphasizes air trapping from incomplete expiration rather than any improvement in oxygenation, reduction in dead space, or decrease in airway resistance.

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