What is a notable characteristic of CPAP in terms of patient ventilation?

The notable characteristic of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) in terms of patient ventilation is that it does not support volume change in the patient’s minute ventilation. CPAP maintains a constant airway pressure throughout the respiratory cycle, which helps keep the alveoli open, improving oxygenation and reducing the work of breathing. However, it does not actively deliver a specific volume of air with each breath. Instead, CPAP allows the patient to breathe spontaneously, utilizing their own tidal volume. This means that if a patient’s minute ventilation needs to increase—such as during physical activity or respiratory distress—CPAP will not automatically adjust to accommodate those changes. It is crucial for clinicians to recognize that while CPAP can support oxygenation, it does not provide direct respiratory support or facilitate changes in ventilation volumes as needed.