Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

How is tidal volume calculated in terms of pressure measurements?

1. The difference between PIP and PEEP

2. The sum of peak and end-expiratory pressure

3. The product of compliance and resistance

4. The mean pressure during inspiration

The correct answer is: The difference between PIP and PEEP

Tidal volume is a measure of the amount of air that is inhaled or exhaled during each respiratory cycle. In terms of pressure measurements, tidal volume can be calculated as the difference between peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). PIP represents the highest pressure reached in the airway during inhalation, which indicates the maximum pressure that is required to overcome the resistance in the airways and expand the lungs. On the other hand, PEEP is the pressure maintained in the airways and alveoli at the end of expiration. By taking the difference between these two pressures, it's possible to determine the volume of air being moved into the lungs during each breath, as it accounts for the distending pressure required to fill the lung. This understanding is crucial for assessing respiratory mechanics in neonates, particularly in those who may require mechanical ventilation support. It helps in fine-tuning ventilator settings to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation while minimizing potential lung injury caused by over-distension. In other options, while they may involve relevant respiratory physiology concepts, they do not appropriately define how tidal volume is calculated using pressure measurements. The sum of peak and end-expiratory pressure does not provide a clear indication