A common challenge when a single rescuer uses a bag-mask device is that

A common challenge when a single rescuer uses a bag-mask device is that

• A. It delivers more oxygen than two-rescuer technique
• B. Adequate tidal volume is often difficult to achieve
• C. It prevents gastric distention
• D. It ensures perfect mask seal

Answer: (B)

When you’re ventilating with a bag-mask device, a solid result depends on two things: a tight mask seal and a steady, adequate squeeze of the bag to deliver enough air. With a single rescuer, keeping that airtight seal around the mask while simultaneously squeezing the bag firmly and consistently is very challenging. Any leak around the mask or a shallow bag squeeze means less air reaches the lungs, so achieving the normal tidal volume is often not possible. Because tidal volume is the amount of air moved in and out with each breath, not getting enough volume means ventilation is ineffective, even though the device is being used. That’s why inadequate tidal volume is the common hurdle in a one-rescuer setup and why switching to a two-rescuer technique—one person maintaining a strong seal and the other providing controlled bag compression—substantially improves ventilation. The other statements aren’t correct: a single rescuer does not reliably deliver more oxygen than a two-rescuer setup, bag-mask ventilation can contribute to gastric distention if air is pushed into the stomach with high pressures, and it does not guarantee a perfect mask seal.

When you’re ventilating with a bag-mask device, a solid result depends on two things: a tight mask seal and a steady, adequate squeeze of the bag to deliver enough air. With a single rescuer, keeping that airtight seal around the mask while simultaneously squeezing the bag firmly and consistently is very challenging. Any leak around the mask or a shallow bag squeeze means less air reaches the lungs, so achieving the normal tidal volume is often not possible. Because tidal volume is the amount of air moved in and out with each breath, not getting enough volume means ventilation is ineffective, even though the device is being used. That’s why inadequate tidal volume is the common hurdle in a one-rescuer setup and why switching to a two-rescuer technique—one person maintaining a strong seal and the other providing controlled bag compression—substantially improves ventilation. The other statements aren’t correct: a single rescuer does not reliably deliver more oxygen than a two-rescuer setup, bag-mask ventilation can contribute to gastric distention if air is pushed into the stomach with high pressures, and it does not guarantee a perfect mask seal.