CPAP is contraindicated for patients younger than what age?

CPAP is contraindicated for patients younger than what age?

• A. less than 8 years
• B. less than 12 years
• C. less than 16 years
• D. less than 10 years

Answer: (A)

CPAP is a noninvasive way to help improve oxygenation by delivering constant positive airway pressure to keep the airways open. It works best when the patient can protect their airway, cooperate with the mask seal, and tolerate the device. In younger children, especially those under about eight years old, these conditions are often not met: they may have difficulty tolerating the mask, a higher risk of vomiting and aspiration, smaller anatomy that makes a proper seal harder, and they may not be able to report worsening symptoms. Because of these safety concerns, CPAP is typically avoided in patients younger than eight years. For these younger patients, alternative ventilatory support, such as bag-valve mask ventilation or other airway management, is used instead.

CPAP is a noninvasive way to help improve oxygenation by delivering constant positive airway pressure to keep the airways open. It works best when the patient can protect their airway, cooperate with the mask seal, and tolerate the device. In younger children, especially those under about eight years old, these conditions are often not met: they may have difficulty tolerating the mask, a higher risk of vomiting and aspiration, smaller anatomy that makes a proper seal harder, and they may not be able to report worsening symptoms. Because of these safety concerns, CPAP is typically avoided in patients younger than eight years. For these younger patients, alternative ventilatory support, such as bag-valve mask ventilation or other airway management, is used instead.