What does an increase in airway pressure during mechanical ventilation increase the risk of?

An increase in airway pressure during mechanical ventilation is primarily associated with an increased risk of barotrauma. Barotrauma refers to injury to the lungs or other air-filled spaces in the body due to a difference in pressure, which can occur when mechanical ventilation settings are too high. When airway pressure is elevated, it can lead to overdistension of the alveoli, causing rupture of alveolar membranes and potentially resulting in pneumothorax or other forms of lung injury. Understanding this relationship is crucial for clinicians, as it highlights the importance of closely monitoring ventilatory pressures and adjusting settings to avoid potential damage to the patient’s lungs during mechanical ventilation.

In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the consequences of increased airway pressure in this context. While decreased compliance may be a feature in cases of lung injury or pathology, it does not directly increase with airway pressure. Increased oxygenation and improved cardiac output are not expected results of elevated airway pressure; in fact, high pressures can adversely affect oxygenation and may reduce cardiac output due to impaired venous return.