What is a common respiratory support used in the NICU for infants with difficulty breathing?

The correct answer is the use of both Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and high-flow nasal cannula, as both are common forms of respiratory support in the NICU for infants experiencing difficulty breathing.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) provides a constant level of pressure in the airways, helping to keep the alveoli open and reducing the work of breathing. This is particularly beneficial for infants who have conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia, where maintaining alveolar inflation is critical to improving oxygenation and minimizing the risk of atelectasis.

On the other hand, high-flow nasal cannula therapy delivers a mixture of oxygen and air at high flow rates, which can also improve oxygenation and support breathing. This method is less invasive than CPAP and can be better tolerated by infants, allowing for a more comfortable experience while still providing effective respiratory support.

Using both methods allows healthcare providers to tailor respiratory support to the specific needs of each infant, optimizing their care based on their clinical condition. Both CPAP and high-flow nasal cannula contribute significantly to the management of respiratory issues in the NICU, making the combined use a common practice.