What is PEEP?

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Is PEEP a procedure that is completed at scheduled times with some machine? Or, is it an order for patients on ventilators?

Also, I am reading about chest tubes. The book says, "The magnitude of the oscillation will also depend on how stiff the patient's lungs are and how much of the intrapulmonary pressure is transmitted to the plueral cavity. PEEP may dampen the oscillations." Huh. :banghead: What oscillations are they referring to? Should I be observing something in the drainage system that is referred to as oscillations? I thought oscillations were something that high frequency ventilators produced to aid in exchange of gas in the alveoli?

I'd appreciate any help,

Cindy

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

Positive End Expiratory Pressure

It's used to keep alveoli from collapsing at the end of expiration. Too high of PEEP can damage lungs. It's a setting on a ventilator.

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Next question...is IPPB a setting on a ventilator? Or, is it a separate machine altogether but simular to a ventilator?

Thanks,

Cindy

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

is peep a procedure that is completed at scheduled times with some machine? or, is it an order for patients on ventilators?

see the ventilator links on the post listed below for information about peep.

also, i am reading about chest tubes. the book says, "the magnitude of the oscillation will also depend on how stiff the patient's lungs are and how much of the intrapulmonary pressure is transmitted to the plueral cavity. peep may dampen the oscillations." huh. what oscillations are they referring to?

the word "oscillations" is a synonym for "fluctuations". the fluid in a draining chest tube will fluctuate back and forth along with the patient's inspiratory and expiratory efforts. this is because the chest tube is a sealed system and the fluid in the tube is responding to the pressure pull created by breathing.

should i be observing something in the drainage system that is referred to as oscillations? only that the fluid is fluctuating with inspiration and expiration i thought oscillations were something that high frequency ventilators produced to aid in exchange of gas in the alveoli? no. ventilators and chest tubes are two separate subjects. somehow you have gotten confused and believe the two are related. a chest tube is a drainage strategy to remove air and or blood/fluid from the pleural space. a ventilator is a machine that assists the patient to breathe.

see the chest tube weblinks on this post:
https://allnurses.com/forums/1832873-post14.html

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Specializes in LPN.

I have found this website http://www.icufaqs.org/ very useful in explaining many basic nursing concepts in ways that make it easy to understand. I know it says ICU, but I found the "Vents FAQ" very useful when taking care of my first long-term care vent patient.

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