Which device is used for continuous positive airway pressure in critical care?

The device used for continuous positive airway pressure in critical care is CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This device delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that covers the nose and sometimes the mouth, helping to keep the airways open during sleep or in situations where patients are having difficulty maintaining proper ventilation.

CPAP is particularly valuable in treating conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory distress syndrome, and other situations where patients require assistance in maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation. It provides a non-invasive means of increasing airway pressure, which helps to prevent airway collapse and improve oxygenation without the need for intubation.

Other devices mentioned, such as the Bag-Valve-Mask, Facial Mask, and Non-Rebreather Mask, serve different purposes in emergency and critical care settings. The Bag-Valve-Mask is primarily used for manual ventilation in emergencies. The Facial Mask is a general term that may refer to various masks but does not specifically provide the continuous pressure that CPAP does. The Non-Rebreather Mask is used for delivering high concentrations of oxygen to patients with respiratory distress but does not provide positive airway pressure. Therefore, CPAP is the correct choice because it specifically addresses the need for continuous airway support.