PEEP is categorized as which type of intervention?

PEEP, or Positive End-Expiratory Pressure, is classified as an additive intervention because it enhances or supplements existing respiratory support provided by mechanical ventilation. PEEP works by maintaining positive pressure in the airways at the end of expiration, which increases functional residual capacity (FRC) and improves oxygenation by preventing alveolar collapse. This technique does not involve altering the physical structure of the lungs or the airway, which is why it is not considered invasive or surgical.

Additionally, PEEP is not typically labeled as a preventive intervention. Preventive measures aim to avert future complications or pathologies, while PEEP specifically addresses the management of already existing conditions related to ventilation and gas exchange. Thus, categorizing PEEP as an additive intervention emphasizes its role in enhancing ventilation strategies rather than introducing new methodologies or techniques.