What is a possible reason for being able to safely use higher mean airway pressures during HFV than during conventional ventilation?

A. because Taylor dispersion occurs during HFV and not during conventional ventilation
B. because the airway pressure swings are smaller during HFV
C. because of intraunit gas flow impedance differences occurring during HFV and lacking during conventional ventilation
D. because coaxial flow prevails during HFV and is absent during conventional ventilation

ANS: B
A. Incorrect response: See explanation B.
B. Correct response: Observational trials with HFV often describe how high mean airway pressures are safely used, especially in comparison to those used for conventional ventilation. Sometimes mean airway pressures achieved during HFV are higher (>30 cm H2O) than the safe maximum pressure used during conventional ventilation. The safe use of these high pressures may be attributable to the small tidal pressure swings developing during HFV, and because the application of higher mean airway pressure with HFV may be a gradual process.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation B.
D. Incorrect response: See explanation B.