What is the correct volume of air to deliver during bvm ventilations?

what is the correct volume of air to deliver during bvm ventilations?

What is the correct volume of air to deliver during BVM ventilations?

Answer:
When administering Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) ventilations, the correct volume of air to deliver is crucial for effective and safe resuscitation. Here are the detailed guidelines:

  1. Adult Patients:

    • The typical tidal volume to deliver during BVM ventilation is between 500 to 600 milliliters (mL) per breath. This amount is approximately 6-7 mL per kilogram of ideal body weight.
    • The aim is to produce visible chest rise with each breath. Over-ventilation can lead to complications such as gastric insufflation and barotrauma.
  2. Pediatric Patients:

    • The volume of air needs to be adjusted according to the child’s size and age. For pediatric patients, the volume should be 10-15 mL per kilogram of the child’s ideal body weight.
    • Ensure that each breath delivered results in visible chest rise while avoiding excessive force which could lead to lung injury.
  3. Neonatal Patients:

    • For neonates, the correct volume can be relatively small, generally 4-6 mL per kilogram. This ensures adequate ventilation without causing harm to the delicate lung tissues.
    • Use neonatal resuscitation masks and specifically designed neonatal BVMs to deliver the appropriate volumes accurately.

Steps for Effective BVM Ventilation:

  1. Positioning:

    • Properly position the patient’s head to ensure an open airway. Use the sniffing position for adults and the neutral position for infants.
    • A head-tilt-chin-lift maneuver is often required unless spinal injury is suspected, in which case a jaw-thrust maneuver is preferred.
  2. Seal and Mask Fit:

    • Create a tight seal around the mask by using the C-E clamp technique; place your thumb and index finger in a “C” shape around the mask, and use the remaining fingers to lift the jaw into the mask.
    • Ensure the mask fits well on the patient’s face to avoid air leakage.
  3. Breath Delivery:

    • Squeeze the bag slowly over approximately one second, watching for visible chest rise to confirm adequate ventilation.
    • Comply with the appropriate ventilation rates; for adults, 10-12 breaths per minute, for children, 12-20 breaths per minute, and for infants, 20-30 breaths per minute.

Avoiding Complications:

  • Gastric Insufflation: Delivering air too quickly or with too much volume can cause air to enter the stomach, leading to regurgitation and aspiration. Deliver air smoothly and monitor for excessive stomach inflation.

  • Barotrauma: Over-inflating the lungs can cause trauma. Adjust the air volume to the recommended range and ensure each breath achieves just visible chest rise.

Final Answer:
The correct volume of air to deliver during BVM ventilations varies based on the patient’s age and size. For adults, it is 500-600 mL per breath; for pediatric patients, it is 10-15 mL per kilogram; and for neonates, it is 4-6 mL per kilogram. The key is to provide enough volume to achieve visible chest rise without causing complications such as gastric insufflation or barotrauma.

Understanding and adhering to these guidelines ensures effective and safe ventilation, optimizing patient outcomes during resuscitation efforts.