Author Question: During an inspiratory pause, which of the following pressures are equal to the airway pressure? I. ... (Read 63 times)

londonang · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

During an inspiratory pause, which of the following pressures are equal to the airway pressure? I. pleural pressure II. alveolar pressure III. tracheal pressure IV. esophageal pressure

A. II only
B. I, II only
C. I, IV only
D. II, III only

Question 2

Based on the pressure-time waveform depicted below, what is the value of the transairway pressure gradient during the inspiratory pause?

A. 40 cm H2O
B. 30 cm H2O
C. 10 cm H2O
D. 0 cm H2O

shaikhs · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
A. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
B. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
D. Correct response: When no gas is flowing, the following three pressures are equal: alveolar pressure, tracheal pressure, and airway pressure. No gas flows during either an inspiratory or expiratory pause. The alveolar pressure is sometimes called the alveolar distending pressure

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
B. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation D.
D. Correct response: The transairway pressure gradient is the difference between the airway pressure and the atmospheric pressure. This is the gradient responsible for the flow of air into and out of the lungs during both spontaneous and mandatory ventilation.
When an inspiratory pause is instituted, both the airway pressure and the atmospheric pressure are in equilibrium. Therefore, during an inspiratory pause, the transairway pressure is zero. Because no pressure gradient exists at this time, no gas flows. Furthermore, because no gas flows at this time, no airway resistance is present. An inspiratory pause is a static measurement.