While PEEP is beneficial, it can also lead to complications if not carefully monitored. Some of the potential complications include:
Barotrauma: Damage to the lungs due to excessive airway pressure. Volutrauma: Lung injury due to over-distention of the alveoli. Decreased Cardiac Output: High levels of PEEP can impede venous return to the heart, reducing cardiac output. Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): Increased risk due to prolonged mechanical ventilation.
Nurses must be adept at identifying early signs of these complications and taking appropriate measures to mitigate them.
