Question

You are ventilating an​ 85-year-old male without difficulty. A nurse tells you that the patient has dentures. To ensure a good mask​ seal, you​ should:

A. use an infant mask over the nose.
B. remove the dentures.
C. leave the dentures in place.
D. tape the dentures in place

Answer 1

When ventilating an elderly patient with dentures, it is usually best to leave the dentures in place to maintain the facial structure and ensure a good mask seal unless they are loose or unstable.

Step-by-step explanation:

When ventilating an 85-year-old male with a bag-valve mask (BVM), ensuring a good mask seal is crucial for effective ventilation. If the patient has dentures, it is generally recommended to leave the dentures in place to help maintain the structure of the face and ensure a better seal between the mask and the patient's face. Moreover, removing dentures can cause the cheeks to collapse, making the seal less effective. However, if the dentures are loose or unstable, they may need to be removed to prevent aspiration and to allow a proper mask seal.