What could low lung compliance indicate during mechanical ventilation?

Low lung compliance during mechanical ventilation typically indicates the presence of stiff lungs. Compliance refers to the lung's ability to expand during inhalation. When compliance is low, it means that the lungs are rigid and do not expand easily, which can be caused by conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In such situations, more pressure is required to inflate the lungs, making it more challenging to achieve adequate ventilation and gas exchange.

The implications of low lung compliance are significant in a mechanical ventilation context, as the ventilator settings may need to be adjusted to ensure that adequate tidal volumes are delivered without causing damage to the lung tissues. Thus, recognizing low lung compliance is critical for optimizing patient care during mechanical ventilation.