Which sign indicates effective ventilation when using a bag-valve mask?

Which sign indicates effective ventilation when using a bag-valve mask?

• A. Visible chest rise
• B. Absence of chest rise
• C. No air entry
• D. Decreased oxygen saturation

Answer: (A)

Visible chest rise with each squeeze of the bag-valve mask shows that air is moving into the lungs and delivering an adequate tidal volume. That real-time expansion confirms effective ventilation and a proper seal and airway alignment. If you don’t see chest rise, ventilation is inadequate—recheck the mask seal, adjust head position, ensure the airway is open, and provide a proper breath every few seconds. Decreased oxygen saturation or no air entry are warning signs of problems beyond immediate ventilation, and while important, they don’t confirm effective ventilation as directly as watching the chest rise with each breath.

Visible chest rise with each squeeze of the bag-valve mask shows that air is moving into the lungs and delivering an adequate tidal volume. That real-time expansion confirms effective ventilation and a proper seal and airway alignment. If you don’t see chest rise, ventilation is inadequate—recheck the mask seal, adjust head position, ensure the airway is open, and provide a proper breath every few seconds. Decreased oxygen saturation or no air entry are warning signs of problems beyond immediate ventilation, and while important, they don’t confirm effective ventilation as directly as watching the chest rise with each breath.