Lab Test Managing Apneic Patient

[SuperJew]

I have my first lab test tomorrow, and I was wondering, when being tested on the Management station of an apneic patient with a pulse, is it okay to hook the BVM device up to the O2 tank before ventilating, or do you have to first give a few ventilations and then hook up the O2 tank quickly and then continue?

Thank you

 

[WolfmanHarris]

Personnally I'd say six of one, half dozen of the other. Provided you're competent enough with the motor skill that the delay won't be extreme. Putting tube A onto nipple A is not as important as ensuring you have a proper seal, the airway is open (manual positioning and adjuncts) and that your rate and tidal volume are appropriate.

Ventilation with a BVM and unsecured airway should be a two person skill. Too much room for error with a single responder. I know plenty of people still do it one person, but this really isn't the best way to ventilate. Increased risk of gastric inflation, larger volumes lost due to poor seal.If you have the two responders than getting the BVM hooked up with one responder while the other sizes and inserts and airways should keep things running smoothly.