A 32-Year-Old Man Is Intubated and Mechanically Ventilated After an Opioid

A 32-year-old man is intubated and mechanically ventilated after an opioid drug overdose.  He is sedated and passive.  The ventilator triggers 14 breaths per minute, each delivering 500 mL of tidal volume at a peak flow rate of 60 L/min.  An inspiratory hold is performed for 2 seconds following delivery of the tidal volume, and the airway pressure is measured to be 30 cm H₂O. The measured pressure most likely reflects which of the following?

A) Upper airway resistance
B) Total airway resistance
C) Pulmonary compliance
D) Expiratory muscle strength
E) End-expiratory pressure

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