In BIPAP, what are the two levels of pressure used?

In BIPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure), the two critical levels of pressure that are utilized are the Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure (IPAP) during inhalation and the Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) during exhalation. This dual pressure approach is designed to support patients with respiratory distress by providing assistance during both the inspiratory and expiratory phases of breathing.

The IPAP is set to a higher level to facilitate airflow into the lungs during inhalation, enhancing tidal volume and improving ventilation. On the other hand, the EPAP is set at a lower level to maintain airway patency during exhalation, which helps prevent alveolar collapse and allows carbon dioxide to be effectively expelled. The combination of these two pressures allows BIPAP to be effective in supporting patients with conditions such as COPD exacerbations or other forms of respiratory failure.

Other options do not accurately capture the dual pressure concept inherent in BIPAP: referring to minimum and maximum pressure levels lacks specificity about the distinct phases of breathing, and mentioning ventilation and oxygenation pressures does not consider how BIPAP specifically applies pressure at different points in the respiratory cycle.