How often should you ventilate a patient using a Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)?

Ventilating a patient using a Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) requires careful timing to ensure adequate oxygenation without causing harm. The recommended frequency for ventilations when using a BVM is every 5 to 6 seconds. This timing allows for the delivery of sufficient volume of air or oxygen to the patient's lungs while also allowing enough time for the chest to rise and the patient to exhale.

Ventilating too quickly (more frequently than every 5-6 seconds) can lead to overinflation of the lungs, which can cause barotrauma or impede the patient's ability to exhale effectively. This is important for preventing complications such as respiratory acidosis, as the patient may not be able to clear carbon dioxide effectively if they are being ventilated too rapidly. Conversely, ventilating too slowly (less than every 5-6 seconds) may not provide adequate ventilation and can lead to hypoxia.

Therefore, the chosen answer correctly reflects the balanced approach needed to effectively ventilate a patient using a Bag-Valve-Mask while minimizing risks. Keeping this interval ensures that the patient receives appropriate care during critical moments.