What technique helps minimize gastric inflation during BVM ventilation?

• A. Use a proper mask seal with two hands
• B. Increase ventilation rate to speed delivery
• C. Apply a loose mask seal
• D. Ventilate with small tidal volumes only

Answer: (A)

A tight, two-handed mask seal is essential because it directs the air you deliver with the bag into the lungs instead of allowing air to leak or be forced into the stomach. When you secure the mask firmly with both hands, you create a better airway seal and maintain a more stable airway alignment, which reduces the risk of gastric insufflation during ventilation. A loose seal can let air escape and even push air into the esophagus, increasing gastric inflation. Merely increasing the rate won’t solve the issue and can worsen it, while ventilating with very small tidal volumes alone doesn’t address the need for a proper seal. So, the best technique to minimize gastric inflation is using a proper mask seal with two hands.