Definitions of terminology used

Definitions of terminology used

VTE

  • Expired tidal volume
  • Amount of gas passing in and out of the lungs in one cycle

PEEP

  • Positive end expiratory pressure
  • Increases the surface area of the alveoli

PIP

  • Peak inspiratory pressure
  • The highest level of  pressure applied to the lungs during inspiration

Flex

  • Enhances patient comfort
  • It will lower the pressure when the patient exhales and slowly increase the pressure on inspiration

Ramp

  • Allows the machine to start at a lower pressure and then increases the pressure over a set time frame
  • This allows the patient to get use to the mask at lower pressures first

Leak

  • The amount of air escaping from the mask
  • Should be less than 60 if possible
  • Usually due to the fit/size of the mask

FiO2

  • Fraction of inspired oxygen
  • Amount of oxygen being delivered to the patient