Question

What is CPAP, AKA, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure?

Accepted Answer

This is a noninvasive means of providing ventilatory support for patients experiencing respiratory distress.

Indications for this include:

Patient must be alert and able to follow commands.

Patient is displaying obvious signs of moderate to severe respiratory distress from an underlying pathology, such as pulmonary edema or obstructive pulmonary disease.

The patient is breathing rapidly, such that it affects over-all minute volume.

And,

Pulse oximetry reading is less than 90%.

Contraindications include:

A patient who is in respiratory arrest.

Signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax or chest trauma.

Tracheostomy.

Active gastrointestinal bleeding or vomiting.

And,

The patient is unable to follow verbal commands.

Patient Respiratory Include Follow Commands Signs Pulmonary Cpap