During manual bag-valve-mask ventilation performed alongside chest compressions by two rescuers, excessive ventilation is specifically avoided because it:
- A Causes gastric insufflation leading to aspiration pneumonia
- B Raises intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return and coronary perfusion ✓
- C Produces respiratory alkalosis that shifts the oxyhaemoglobin curve left
- D Increases the risk of barotrauma and pneumothorax
Correct answer: B. Raises intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return and coronary perfusion
Explanation
Overventilation increases mean intrathoracic pressure, which impedes venous return to the right heart and lowers coronary and cerebral perfusion during compressions, directly reducing rates of ROSC and survival. Gastric insufflation and pneumothorax are real but secondary concerns and do not explain the hemodynamic harm. The guideline target is one breath every 6 seconds with each breath over about 1 second.
Reference: AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, 2020 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.