When the patient stabilizes on mechanical ventilation with a PEEP of 12 cm H2O and the FiO2 has been reduced to 0.40, how should the PEEP level reduce?

a. In increments of 2 cm H2O every 6 hr
b. In increments of 3 to 5 cm H2O every 2 hr
c. In increments of 3 to 5 cm H2O every 1 hr
d. In increments of 5 cm H2O every 2 hr

ANS: A
After reduction of the FiO2 to 0.40, PEEP can be reduced gradually as the patient improves at a rate of 2 cm H2O every 6 to 8 hr.