NONINVASIVE ASSISTED VENTILATION: BILEVEL POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (BIPAP)

Course overview

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is a form of noninvasive assisted ventilation in which ventilatory assistance is provided by delivering two levels of airway pressure to the airway. By providing a higher pressure during inspiration, BiPAP relieves respiratory muscle fatigue and dyspnea and improves removal of carbon dioxide (PCO2), making BiPAP particularly suitable as a treatment strategy for respiratory failure. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of BiPAP in order to better care for patients. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.