ICU SAQs · Respiratory / monitoring
Interpreting a rising peak airway pressure
A CICM First-Part SAQ on the inspiratory-hold diagnostic split — high peak with normal plateau (resistance) versus high peak with high plateau (compliance) — and the supporting loops.
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Prompt
The peak inspiratory pressure on your ventilated patient has risen acutely. Describe how you would interpret the ventilator waveforms and pressures to identify the cause.
Question
The peak inspiratory pressure on your ventilated patient has risen acutely. Describe how you would interpret the ventilator waveforms and pressures to identify the cause.
[1]References3ShowHide
- [1]Chatburn RL How to interpret ventilator waveforms using the taxonomy for modes of mechanical ventilation. Respiratory Care, 2026.PMID 41631602
- [2]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds) Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.
- [3]Blanch L, Bernabé F, Lucangelo U Measurement of air trapping, intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure, and dynamic hyperinflation in mechanically ventilated patients Respir Care, 2005.PMID 15636649