Infant Nasal Cpap - CareFusion Infant Flow Training Workbook

Physiologic effects of nasal CPAP in neonates
Recruits alveoli
and prevents
alveoli collapse
Increases FRC Conserves
and lung volumes surfactant
Improves V/Q ratio
and increases
oxygenation
Decreases WOB
Nasal (nCPAP) is associated with improved respiratory mechanics and decreased chronic lung disease (CLD) rate.
What is nasal CPAP (nCPAP)?
nCPAP is the application of positive pressure to
the airways of a spontaneously breathing infant
throughout the respiratory cycle. nCPAP is a continuous
flow of gas administered through nasal prongs inserted
in the nares or by a nasal mask placed around the
perimeter of the nose. The positive pressure, usually
4 cmH O to 8 cmH O, acts as a splint, which can help
2 2
prevent alveoli collapse.
BiPhasic CPAP alternates between two levels of CPAP
at a set time interval. The infant can breathe at both
CPAP settings. The BiPhasic mode helps increase the
infant's tidal volume and may stimulate the respiratory
drive center.
2
3–4,10
Splint open airways
Increases pharyngeal
cross section
Maintains airway Reduces upper
patency airway resistance
Decreases
obstructive apnea

Infant nasal CPAP

Stabilizes chest wall Stimulates the
and diaphragm J receptors and HIBR
Improves Reduces central
breathing pattern
and decreases WOB obstructive apnea
Decreases
intrapulmonary
shunting
Improves
V/Q ratio
Advantages of CPAP
• Increases FRC
• Maintains and increases lung volume
• Improves lung compliance
• Reduces work of breathing (WOB) and
airway resistance
• Provides a noninvasive procedure
• Allows small airways to develop
• Promotes the use of natural surfactant
• Promotes easy application
• Provides cost effectiveness
• Helps prevent extubation failure in some infants
• Stabilizes the airway diaphragm and chest wall
• Decreases incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD)
Stretches lung
and pleura
Stimulates lung
growth
and