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What should you do if there is no chest rise during artificial ventilation?

  1. Increase the rate of ventilation

  2. Reposition the airway

  3. Use a different ventilation device

  4. Wait and monitor

The correct answer is: Reposition the airway

When artificial ventilation is being performed and there is no chest rise, it is crucial to ensure that the airway is properly positioned. Poor positioning of the airway can impede airflow and prevent adequate ventilation, which can lead to ineffective breathing efforts. By repositioning the patient's airway, you can often create a better path for air to flow into the lungs. This might involve tilting the head back or lifting the chin to relieve any obstruction and ensure that the airway remains patent. It's important to recognize common causes of inadequate ventilation, such as airway blockage, improper head positioning, or inadequate seal of the ventilation device. Addressing these issues by ensuring proper airway positioning is a priority before considering other options. Other choices may address the symptoms of poor ventilation but do not resolve the underlying issue directly related to the airway. In a critical scenario where the chest does not rise during artificial ventilation, systematic evaluation and correction of the airway can lead to the establishment of effective breath delivery, which is essential for the patient’s oxygenation and overall survival.