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

If slight gastric distention occurs during positive-pressure ventilation, what is the FIRST action the rescuer should take?

1. Adjust the ventilator settings

2. Ensure proper tidal volume for visible chest rise

3. Insert an oropharyngeal airway

4. Switch to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

The correct answer is: Ensure proper tidal volume for visible chest rise

In cases of slight gastric distention during positive-pressure ventilation, the first action a rescuer should prioritize is ensuring proper tidal volume for visible chest rise. This is critical for effective ventilation and for minimizing the risk of further air entering the stomach, which can lead to complications such as aspiration or worsened distention. By focusing on achieving adequate chest rise, the rescuer can confirm that the air is being delivered effectively into the lungs rather than the stomach. Proper tidal volume is essential in ensuring that the victim receives adequate oxygen exchange without excess air entering the gastrointestinal tract. If the tidal volume is too high, it can cause the stomach to fill with air, leading to distention. Hence, by adjusting the technique to achieve a visible chest rise, the rescuer optimizes ventilation and reduces the chances of gastric inflation. Other actions such as adjusting ventilator settings, inserting an oropharyngeal airway, or switching to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may be considered subsequently but do not address the immediate concern of managing gastric distention effectively during positive-pressure ventilation.