What pressure is required to open the alveoli in an apnoeic unconscious baby?

The correct answer indicates that a pressure of 15-30 cm of water is required to effectively open the alveoli in an apnoeic unconscious baby. This range is critical in the context of neonatal resuscitation because the lungs of newborns can be initially collapsed and may require adequate pressure to expand and allow for effective ventilation.

When a newborn is apnoeic and unconscious, their ability to initiate or maintain their own breathing is compromised. As a result, positive pressure ventilation is necessary to inflate the lungs and achieve adequate gas exchange. The specified range of 15-30 cm of water is generally considered effective for recruiting collapsed alveoli, which is essential in preventing conditions such as hypoxia or respiratory distress that can arise from inadequate lung expansion.

Furthermore, using lower pressures might insufficiently recruit alveoli, leading to ineffective ventilation and poor oxygenation, while excessively high pressures could risk lung injury or barotrauma. Thus, understanding this balance of applying the right amount of pressure is vital for successful resuscitation efforts in newborns.