Compliance is a reflection of FRC and CCV, and reflects the ease with which ventilatory work is performed; Compliance =
Tidal vol / (PIP -
PEEP) - Normal > 100 ml/cm H2O; - Use the compliance to guide increase in
PEEP; - As long as compliance remains normal,
PEEP may be increased to about 10 cm H2O with little risk of complications; - Note effects of
PEEP: - By increasing end expiratory volume, PEEP decreases - Compliance; (hence, the higher PEEP, means higher increments in pressure w/ increases of
tidal volume;
