A 59 year old man was admitted to the ICU for a COPD exacerbation. He was intubated earlier in the day. Initially after being intubated his static pressure was 23 cm H2o and peak pressure 47 cm H20. The APRN is notified that currently his peak pressure has risen to 62 cm H20 and the static pressure is 42 cm H20. His heart rate has increased from 88 to 112beats / minute and his blood pressure has decreased from 112/88 to 92/ 72. He has decreased breath sounds on the left side.  What do static and peek pressures represent on the ventilator?
Selected Answer: Static pressure indicates respiratory system compliance (that is, lungs, chest wall and the abdomen). It shows how much pressure it takes to inflate the alveoli with each breath. Any condition that results in reduced compliance, such as onset ARDS, will produce an increased static pressure.  Peak pressure, on the other hand, indicates the resistance of the segmental bronchi of the ventilator tube system. Essentially, any problem that alters the resistance of these tubes, such as bronchospasm or blood clots, will increase the maximum pressure.  Correct Answer: Correct  The static pressure (also called plateau pressure) represents the compliance of the lung, chest wall, and abdomen. This number tells you the amount of pressure needed to inflate the alveoli with each breath. Conditions that decrease the compliance in the respiratory system will cause the static pressure to increase. Examples of these conditions include ARDS, pulmonary edema, large pleural effusions, pneumothorax, or abdominal distention.   Peak pressure represent the resistance from the ventilator tubing down to the segmental bronchi. Things like mucous plugs, bronchospasm, blood clots, or kinked tubing will cause the peak pressure to risk. The ventilator shows the peak pressure with every breath. Response Feedback: [None Given]