Despite the risk, it is still important to use PEEP, because it can prevent alveolar collapse during exhalation and reopening, even when a low VT is used. It now is theorized that it is important to use the pressure-volume loop to set PEEP _______________

a. at the upper inflection point detected dur-ing inflation of the lung
b. above the upper inflection point detected during deflation of the lung
c. at the lower inflection point detected dur-ing inflation of the lung
d. at the peak inspiration point detected dur-ing inflation of the lung

ANS: B
Regardless of the procedure used to establish an appropriate PEEP level, ventilating pressures should not be allowed to exceed the UIP on the UIPi, because injury to lungs can occur if the lungs become overstretched. The appearance of the UIP on the graphic display may be influ-enced by the type of recruitment procedure used.