What should be done to improve gas distribution in a patient with high airway resistance during mechanical ventilation?

• A. Lower the rate
• B. Increase inspiratory flow
• C. SBN2 study
• D. Inspiratory plateau

Answer: (D)

Improving gas distribution in a patient with high airway resistance is essential to ensure adequate ventilation. The correct answer involves using an inspiratory plateau. This technique allows for a longer time spent at a constant pressure during the inspiratory phase, which can help to open up collapsed or obstructed airways and improve the overall distribution of airflow in the lungs.

The rationale behind implementing an inspiratory plateau lies in its ability to reduce peak airway pressures while giving sufficient time for the gas to flow into the distal airways and alveoli. This is particularly beneficial in patients with high airway resistance because it mitigates the velocity of airflow, allowing for better gas exchange as lower resistance regions can more effectively participate in ventilation.

Other methods like lowering the rate or increasing inspiratory flow may not target the underlying issue of high airway resistance effectively and could potentially lead to further complications, such as air trapping. The mention of an SBN2 study is irrelevant within the context of gas distribution during mechanical ventilation, as it does not directly address the mechanical aspects of ventilation necessary in this situation.