What should you do if you cannot achieve effective ventilation with a bag-mask device?

What should you do if you cannot achieve effective ventilation with a bag-mask device?

• A. Increase oxygen flow
• B. Reposition the airway
• C. Continue with the same bag-mask technique
• D. Seek advanced airway

Answer: (B)

When bag-mask ventilation isn’t effective, the first move is to reposition the airway to improve both patency and the seal. A misaligned head and neck or obstruction from the tongue can prevent air from entering the lungs even when you’re squeezing the bag. By adjusting the head and neck to optimize the airway axis (for example, a neutral position if there’s potential spinal injury, or a chin‑lift/jaw‑thrust to open the airway), you create a clearer path for air and a better mask seal. If possible, have a second rescuer help with a two‑person bag‑mask technique to maintain a tight seal while you ventilate. Check for obstructions, suction as needed, and consider an airway adjunct like an oropharyngeal airway to keep the airway open. If ventilation remains inadequate after these steps, escalate to an advanced airway approach.

When bag-mask ventilation isn’t effective, the first move is to reposition the airway to improve both patency and the seal. A misaligned head and neck or obstruction from the tongue can prevent air from entering the lungs even when you’re squeezing the bag. By adjusting the head and neck to optimize the airway axis (for example, a neutral position if there’s potential spinal injury, or a chin‑lift/jaw‑thrust to open the airway), you create a clearer path for air and a better mask seal. If possible, have a second rescuer help with a two‑person bag‑mask technique to maintain a tight seal while you ventilate. Check for obstructions, suction as needed, and consider an airway adjunct like an oropharyngeal airway to keep the airway open. If ventilation remains inadequate after these steps, escalate to an advanced airway approach.