PEEP Explained: Oxygenation, Compliance & Hemodynamics

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — tools in mechanical ventilation. In this episode, we break down how PEEP works, why it improves oxygenation, and when it can actually harm patients. We’ll walk through: • How PEEP recruits alveoli and improves oxygenation • The relationship between PEEP, lung compliance, and overdistension • How excessive PEEP affects venous return, cardiac output, and blood pressure • The concept of optimal PEEP and how to think about titration at the bedside • Common mistakes clinicians make when setting PEEP 📚 DOWNLOAD MINI COURSES, STUDY GUIDES, PRACTICE QUESTIONS, AD FREE VIDEOS, EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSIONS in our WBM Emergency Critical Care Patreon Community - Join Today!!   / whiteboardmedicine   🫁 Playlist on Mechanical Ventilation:    • Mechanical Ventilation   This episode is designed for medical students, residents, ICU nurses, respiratory therapists, and practicing clinicians who want a clear, physiologic understanding of PEEP — not just rules of thumb. 📌 Topics covered: • Alveolar recruitment vs overdistension • PEEP and the pressure–volume curve • Effects of PEEP on right ventricular function • Compliance-guided ventilator management • ARDS, hypoxemia, and PEEP strategies If you’re learning mechanical ventilation or want to refine your critical care practice, this video will help you use PEEP safely and effectively. 👉 Now find WhiteBoard Medicine on all major Podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, More)! Let us know what you think! 👇DON'T MISS OUT - JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY TODAY 👇   / whiteboardmedicine   We appreciate the support! 📰👇SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER👍👍 https://whiteboardmedicine.kit.com/63... COLLECTION OF PLAYLISTS: Critical Care Medicine 🚑    • Critical Care   Pulmonology🫁    • Pulmonology   Cardiology and ECG🫀    • Cardiology   Nephrology🧂    • Nephrology   Acid Base🧬    • Acid-Base Disorders   Medical, Healthcare, and Science News📰    • Playlist   Biostatistics and Research📊    • Biostatistics and Research Design   Immunology🧫    • Immunology   Laboratory Evaluation and Values🧪    • Laboratory Values   Infectious Disease🦠    • Infectious Disease   Obstetrics and Gynecology👶    • Obstetrics and Gynecology   Procedures💉    • Procedures   Endocrinology🎂    • Endocrinology   ________________________________________________________________________ If you enjoy the content and feel inclined, here are some ways in which you can support us! Funds will go towards purchasing better equipment/software, dedicating more time to the channel, and continuing to strive towards taking this channel to the next level! PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_... YouTube Membership tab: It has a “Join” button at the top right corner of our Channel’s home page. We appreciate you! DISCLAIMER THIS VIDEO DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read, watched, or listened to on this video, or any other videos, reports, texts tweets or other sources. #PEEP #MechanicalVentilation #CriticalCare #ICU #VentilatorManagement #ARDS #RespiratoryPhysiology #EmergencyMedicine #PulmonaryCriticalCare #MedicalEducation #FOAMed #WhiteboardMedicine