What is a potential consequence of a malfunctioning exhalation valve on a ventilator?

A malfunctioning exhalation valve on a ventilator can lead to a leak, which prevents the normal pressure development necessary to effectively ventilate the patient. The exhalation valve is designed to allow exhaled gases to escape while maintaining the appropriate pressures during the inspiratory phase. When this valve does not function properly, it can result in inadequate airway pressure, thus impairing the ventilation process. This will hinder the ventilator's ability to properly support the patient's breathing efforts, potentially leading to insufficient volume and pressure for effective gas exchange.

The other options may describe issues that could arise from various problems with a ventilator, but they do not specifically address the primary consequence of a faulty exhalation valve. For instance, increased airflow resistance typically relates to blockages in the ventilatory pathway, low tidal volume delivery can result from a variety of factors, and reduced gas exchange efficiency is often a broader issue arising from multiple causative factors, rather than the direct result of an exhalation valve malfunction itself.