Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
CPAP
Pronunciation: SEE-pap
Also written as: CPAP — Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
A form of respiratory support providing constant positive pressure throughout the respiratory cycle.
Full Definition
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a non-invasive ventilation technique that maintains constant positive pressure in the airways throughout inspiration and expiration. In pediatric critical care, CPAP is used to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and prevent alveolar collapse in conditions such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or post-extubation support. High-flow nasal cannula has become an alternative to traditional CPAP interfaces in many pediatric applications.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from BiPAP which provides two pressure levels.
In Context
- "CPAP at 6 cmH2O was initiated to support the patient's work of breathing." — Respiratory therapy note
- "The infant was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation to nasal CPAP." — Weaning assessment
Also known as
continuous positive airway pressure
Don't confuse with
BiPAP
high-flow nasal cannula
PEEP