What does PEEP refer to in respiratory care?

PEEP, or Positive End-Expiratory Pressure, is a crucial concept in respiratory care that refers specifically to the pressure needed to prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration. During mechanical ventilation, applying PEEP helps maintain a certain level of pressure in the lungs, preventing the alveoli (the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs) from fully collapsing when a patient exhales. This approach enhances oxygenation by keeping more alveoli available for gas exchange, thus improving overall lung function and reducing the work of breathing.

The other options do not accurately define PEEP. The pressure required to inflate the lungs relates more to the initial pressures during inhalation rather than the pressure maintained at the end of expiration. The maximum pressure during inhalation reflects the peak inspiratory pressures, which are not what PEEP measures. Lastly, total lung capacity measurement involves the total volume of air the lungs can hold, which is entirely different from the concept of maintaining end-expiratory pressure. Understanding PEEP's role in preventing alveolar collapse highlights its importance in respiratory support and patient care.