New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is a consequence of using too much force during mouth-to-mask ventilation?

1. Increased oxygen delivery

2. Stomach distension

3. Improved ventilation efficiency

4. Decreased risk of aspiration

The correct answer is: Stomach distension

Using excessive force during mouth-to-mask ventilation can lead to stomach distension, which occurs when air is inadvertently pushed into the stomach rather than the lungs. This happens due to excessive pressure that forces air into the esophagus, resulting in air accumulation in the stomach. Stomach distension can cause discomfort for the patient and impair their ability to breathe effectively, as it can lead to increased pressure on the diaphragm, reducing lung expansion. Proper mouth-to-mask ventilation technique emphasizes gentle, controlled breaths to ensure that air is directed into the lungs rather than the gastrointestinal tract. Maintaining this balance is critical for effective ventilation and patient safety. Other options, such as increased oxygen delivery and improved ventilation efficiency, are associated with correct application of the technique, while the risk of aspiration could actually increase with improper technique leading to regurgitation.