Nasal CPAP complications: which is a possible complication?

Study for the Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Test. Prepare with interactive questions, hints, and explanations to boost your confidence and ace the exam!

Multiple Choice

Nasal CPAP complications: which is a possible complication?

Explanation:
Continuous positive airway pressure uses a steady airway pressure to keep alveoli open, improve oxygenation, and increase functional residual capacity. But that same pressure can overdistend fragile neonatal lungs, especially if pressures are high or lung compliance is poor, leading to air leaks such as pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. That’s why barotrauma is a possible complication of nasal CPAP. The other options describe benefits or physiological effects (better venous return is not a CPAP benefit and may even be reduced with higher intrathoracic pressure), so they don’t represent complications.

Continuous positive airway pressure uses a steady airway pressure to keep alveoli open, improve oxygenation, and increase functional residual capacity. But that same pressure can overdistend fragile neonatal lungs, especially if pressures are high or lung compliance is poor, leading to air leaks such as pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. That’s why barotrauma is a possible complication of nasal CPAP. The other options describe benefits or physiological effects (better venous return is not a CPAP benefit and may even be reduced with higher intrathoracic pressure), so they don’t represent complications.

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