What benefits does CPAP provide for the patient with heart failure?
A. Mimics normal ventilation.
B. Makes the heart stronger.
C. Increases preload and promotes atelectasis.
D. Reduces preload and prevents atelectasis.
Answer: D. Reduces preload and prevents atelectasis.
CPAP provides positive pressure into the thorax, which does not mimic the normal negative pressure environment of normal ventilation. CPAP increases the pressure in the thorax, reducing preload by suppressing the vena cava. This leads to less blood circulating though the atria and ventricles resulting in a reduction in backflow. The continuous positive pressure also prevents the alveoli from collapsing, forcing them to remain open for gas exchange (atelectasis).
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