Which complication may occur when bag-mask ventilation is used in a child with lower airway obstruction?

Which complication may occur when bag-mask ventilation is used in a child with lower airway obstruction?

• A. Gastric distention
• B. Pneumothorax
• C. Decreased blood supply to the heart
• D. Hyperventilation causing respiratory alkalosis

Answer: (A)

Gastric distention is the most likely complication when bag-mask ventilation is used in a child with lower airway obstruction. The obstructed lower airways create high resistance to airflow, so the positive-pressure breaths delivered by the bag tend to push air into all connected airspaces, including the stomach via the esophagus. This distends the abdomen, elevates the diaphragm, and can reduce ventilation efficiency while increasing the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. While other issues like pneumothorax or extreme hyperventilation can occur in certain scenarios, gastric distention best fits the situation of forcing air into the stomach during attempts to ventilate a child with lower airway obstruction.

Gastric distention is the most likely complication when bag-mask ventilation is used in a child with lower airway obstruction. The obstructed lower airways create high resistance to airflow, so the positive-pressure breaths delivered by the bag tend to push air into all connected airspaces, including the stomach via the esophagus. This distends the abdomen, elevates the diaphragm, and can reduce ventilation efficiency while increasing the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. While other issues like pneumothorax or extreme hyperventilation can occur in certain scenarios, gastric distention best fits the situation of forcing air into the stomach during attempts to ventilate a child with lower airway obstruction.