Which adjustment helps reduce auto PEEP by allowing longer expiratory time?

Which adjustment helps reduce auto PEEP by allowing longer expiratory time?

• A. Increase Ti
• B. Increase Te
• C. Increase FiO2
• D. Increase PIP

Answer: (B)

Auto PEEP happens when there isn’t enough time for complete exhalation between breaths, causing air trapping. Extending the expiratory phase lets more air leave before the next breath starts, directly reducing air trapping and auto PEEP. Increasing inspiratory time would prolong inspiration and shorten expiration, which can worsen auto PEEP. FiO2 and PIP don’t address expiration duration, so they don’t help with auto PEEP in the same way.

Auto PEEP happens when there isn’t enough time for complete exhalation between breaths, causing air trapping. Extending the expiratory phase lets more air leave before the next breath starts, directly reducing air trapping and auto PEEP. Increasing inspiratory time would prolong inspiration and shorten expiration, which can worsen auto PEEP. FiO2 and PIP don’t address expiration duration, so they don’t help with auto PEEP in the same way.