What is the term for the accidental trapping of air in the lungs during ventilation?

The correct term for the accidental trapping of air in the lungs during ventilation is auto-PEEP. This condition occurs when there is incomplete exhalation due to a shortened expiratory phase, resulting in air that remains in the lungs at the end of a breath. Auto-PEEP can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, impaired ventilation, and decreased cardiac output due to decreased venous return.

In critical care settings, understanding auto-PEEP is essential as it can complicate the management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation. It can lead to overdistension of the alveoli and affect the overall gas exchange. Monitoring for signs of auto-PEEP, such as increased respiratory rates and platelet numbers in blood gases, is crucial for optimizing patient care.

In contrast, hyperinflation refers to an exaggerated inflation of the lungs, which may occur as a consequence of auto-PEEP but does not specifically indicate the mechanism of trapped air. Volutrauma involves lung injury caused by overdistension of alveoli due to excessive tidal volumes during mechanical ventilation. Barotrauma is related to lung injury caused by excessive pressure during ventilation, and while it can lead to complications, it does not specifically involve the trapping of air as seen in auto-PE