Final answer:
To prevent or alleviate gastric distention during assisted respirations, maintain an open airway using the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuvers, provide slower and controlled breaths, and if in a medical setting, decompress the stomach using a gastric tube.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assisting with respirations and dealing with gastric distention, it is essential to prevent or alleviate distention to ensure effective ventilation and comfort for the patient. Gastric distention can occur if too much air is pushed into the stomach rather than the lungs during assisted ventilation, such as when using a resuscitation bag. To prevent or alleviate this condition, the rescuer should ensure that the airway is properly open and the head is appropriately positioned. Techniques such as the head-tilt-chin-lift or the jaw-thrust maneuver without head extension if spinal injury is suspected, can be used to maintain an open airway. Moreover, delivering each breath over one second and allowing sufficient time for exhalation can minimize the risk of air entering the stomach. If gastric distention is observed, repositioning the patient’s airway and adjusting ventilation technique is necessary. It may also involve decompressing the stomach using a gastric tube if the person is in a medical facility. These actions will help to prevent gastric distention or reduce its severity if it has already occurred. Additionally, ensuring that the head of the bed is elevated can utilize gravity to prevent backflow of fluids, further reducing gastric distention.