True or False: PIP is a measure that can assist in evaluating whether collapsed alveoli have opened.

The assertion is true because Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP) is an important parameter in mechanical ventilation that reflects the pressure needed to deliver a tidal volume. When alveoli are collapsed (a condition known as atelectasis), more pressure is required to inflate them during mechanical ventilation. As a result, an increase in PIP can indicate that the ventilator is exerting greater force to achieve the same tidal volume, suggesting that some alveoli may remain collapsed and are not opening easily.

Monitoring changes in PIP over time can therefore serve as a clinical indicator of the state of lung function, especially the presence of collapsed alveoli. A stable or decreasing PIP, in contrast, may suggest effective recruitment of collapsed alveoli and improved lung compliance, allowing for more efficient gas exchange.