What is the typical range for PEEP used in assist control ventilation?

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Prepare for the Air Methods Critical Care Test. Sharpen your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In assist control ventilation, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is commonly set to enhance oxygenation and prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration. The typical range for PEEP is generally between 5 to 15 cm of H2O. This range helps maintain recruitment of collapsed alveoli while minimizing potential adverse effects like decreased hemodynamics, which can occur with excessively high PEEP levels.

Using PEEP within this range allows for improved ventilation-perfusion matching, leading to better oxygenation without compromising cardiac output significantly. Levels below 5 cm may not provide adequate recruitment or support, while levels exceeding 15 cm may risk impairing hemodynamic stability and could lead to over-distension of the alveoli. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the commonly accepted clinical practice for applying PEEP during assist control ventilation.

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