What does CPAP stand for?

What does CPAP stand for?

• A. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
• B. Continuous Positive Air Pressure
• C. Continuous Pulmonary Air Pressure
• D. Cardiac-Pulmonary Air Pressure

Answer: (A)

CPAP means giving a steady positive pressure to the airways throughout the breathing cycle to keep them open. The correct full form is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. That “airway” part is essential—it’s about patting open the passages you breathe through, not just increasing pressure somewhere in the lungs or heart. In practice, this continuous positive pressure helps prevent airway collapse, reduces the work of breathing, and improves oxygenation in kids with respiratory distress or apnea. The other phrasing changes the meaning by focusing on pressure alone, or on the lungs or heart, which isn’t what CPAP describes.

CPAP means giving a steady positive pressure to the airways throughout the breathing cycle to keep them open. The correct full form is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. That “airway” part is essential—it’s about patting open the passages you breathe through, not just increasing pressure somewhere in the lungs or heart. In practice, this continuous positive pressure helps prevent airway collapse, reduces the work of breathing, and improves oxygenation in kids with respiratory distress or apnea. The other phrasing changes the meaning by focusing on pressure alone, or on the lungs or heart, which isn’t what CPAP describes.