For a baby of 34 weeks' gestation, what are the recommended settings for PIP and PEEP during ventilation?

For a baby born at 34 weeks' gestation, the recommended settings for Positive Inspiratory Pressure (PIP) and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) aim to provide sufficient ventilation without causing harm to the lungs. The correct choice indicates a PIP range of 20-25 cmH2O and a PEEP of 5 cmH2O, which falls within the guidelines for neonatal ventilation.

This PIP range is typically adequate to ensure that sufficient tidal volume (the amount of air delivered to the lungs with each breath) is achieved, while also minimizing the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury. The PEEP setting of 5 cmH2O helps maintain open alveoli at the end of expiration, improving oxygenation and preventing atelectasis (collapse of the lung).

In contrast, other suggested settings may either be too high or too low for a preterm infant. PIP settings that are higher than recommended can lead to barotrauma or volutrauma in fragile lungs, which are especially at risk due to their developmental stage. Meanwhile, lower PEEP settings might not provide adequate support for alveolar recruitment, potentially compromising oxygenation. Therefore, the settings of PIP at 20-25