Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

When should a bag-valve-mask (BVM) be used for ventilation?

1. When a patient is conscious and breathing normally

2. When a patient is apneic or has inadequate breathing

3. When the patient shows signs of respiratory distress

4. When the patient requires sedation for treatment

The correct answer is: When a patient is apneic or has inadequate breathing

Using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) for ventilation is appropriate when a patient is apneic, meaning they are not breathing at all, or when their breathing is inadequate, which indicates that their respirations are too weak or shallow to supply sufficient oxygen to the body. The BVM device allows a healthcare provider to deliver positive pressure ventilation effectively, ensuring that oxygen is supplied to the lungs. In situations where a patient is conscious and breathing normally, the use of a BVM would be unnecessary and could potentially introduce complications, as their own airway and respiratory drive are functioning adequately. Similarly, while a patient showing signs of respiratory distress may require intervention, they might still be able to breathe on their own and maintain effective ventilation without the need for a BVM. Lastly, sedation may be necessary for certain treatments, but it does not directly indicate the need to use a BVM unless the patient becomes apneic or experiences severely inadequate breathing after sedation. Thus, the BVM is specifically indicated for apneic patients or those with inadequate respiratory effort.