When performing rescue breathing which one of the following is the most common reason for inability to ventilate the lungs adequately?
When performing rescue breathing which one of the following is the most common reason for inability to ventilate the lungs adequately?
The most common reason for inability to ventilate the lungs adequately during rescue breathing is an improper head tilt and chin lift technique.
When performing rescue breathing, the most common reason for an inability to adequately ventilate the lungs is an airway obstruction. An obstructed airway prevents air from reaching the lungs, making it difficult or impossible to provide effective ventilation.
To recognize and address an obstructed airway during rescue breathing, follow these steps:
1. Ensure the safety of yourself, the victim, and any bystanders.
2. Assess the victim's responsiveness by tapping their shoulder and asking if they are okay.
3. If the victim is unresponsive, quickly check for any signs of breathing by looking for chest movement, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for exhalation on your cheek.
4. If the victim is not breathing or only gasping, open the airway by performing a head tilt-chin lift maneuver. Place one hand on the victim's forehead and gently tilt their head back while using your other hand to lift their chin.
5. Look inside the victim's mouth for any visible obstructions, such as food or vomit. If you see any visible obstructions, carefully remove them with your finger using a hooking motion.
6. Attempt to deliver two initial rescue breaths by pinching the victim's nose closed, making a complete seal over their mouth with your mouth, and blowing steadily until you see the chest rise. Each breath should last about one second and be delivered at a volume that makes the chest visibly rise.
7. If the chest does not rise during the initial rescue breaths, reposition the victim's head and attempt two more breaths. If the chest still does not rise, assume an airway obstruction is present.
8. To clear an airway obstruction in an unconscious victim, kneel beside them and deliver up to five back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
9. After each set of back blows, check the victim's mouth for any visible obstructions. If the obstruction is still present, perform up to five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver) by standing behind the victim, placing your arms around their waist, clasping your hands just above the navel, and giving inward and upward thrusts.
10. Continue alternating between delivering back blows and abdominal thrusts until the obstruction is dislodged or the victim becomes unconscious.
11. If the victim loses consciousness, lower them gently to the ground and begin CPR, following the appropriate guidelines.
Remember, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance when performing rescue breathing in a real-life emergency situation. These instructions are intended as a general guide and do not replace proper first aid and CPR training.