What is the primary purpose of CPAP?

The primary purpose of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is to deliver positive pressure, which helps keep the airways open and enhances oxygen diffusion in the lungs. This is particularly beneficial for patients with respiratory issues, such as obstructive sleep apnea or acute respiratory distress syndrome, as it prevents airway collapse during inhalation. By maintaining a stable airway pressure, CPAP allows for improved gas exchange and higher oxygen levels in the blood, contributing to better overall respiratory function.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of CPAP. Inducing sleep is not a goal of CPAP; rather, it's a treatment modality. While it may have an indirect effect on sleep quality in patients with sleep apnea, that is not its main purpose. Providing mandatory breaths to patients is characteristic of controlled ventilation or assist-control ventilation, not CPAP. Additionally, CPAP does not monitor blood pressure, which is a function of different medical equipment or protocols, but rather focuses on airway management and improving respiratory mechanics.