Which of the following is not a disadvantage of NIV?

• A. Facial pain
• B. Discomfort and claustrophobia
• C. Complications associated with artificial airways
• D. Gastric distention

Answer: (C)

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is characterized by its use of face masks or nasal pillows to deliver positive pressure ventilation without the need for an artificial airway, such as an endotracheal tube. One of the key advantages of NIV is that it avoids many complications associated with invasive mechanical ventilation.

Complications associated with artificial airways, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, airway trauma, and barotrauma, do not apply to NIV because it does not require intubation. Therefore, the absence of these complications is a significant benefit of using NIV, making it a suitable option in certain clinical situations without the drawbacks that come from invasive measures.

In contrast, facial pain, discomfort, claustrophobia, and gastric distention are indeed potential challenges associated with the use of NIV. Patients may experience discomfort from the mask interface or may feel anxious or claustrophobic when wearing the mask, and gastric distention can occur due to air being swallowed during ventilation. These factors highlight the limitations of NIV and underscore the importance of careful patient selection and monitoring.