Final answer:
When slight gastric distention occurs due to positive-pressure ventilation, the rescuer should first reposition the victim's airway. This is to ensure proper ventilation and to prevent further air from being forced into the stomach.
Step-by-step explanation:
If slight gastric distention occurs in a victim as a result of positive-pressure ventilation, the first action the rescuer should take is to reposition the airway. Proper airway management is critical in ensuring effective ventilation and preventing complications such as gastric distention, which can occur if air is forced into the stomach rather than the lungs. In the event of gastric distention, rescuers must follow protocols to minimize the risk and address it promptly. This typically involves stopping the ventilation, repositioning the victim's head to ensure a proper airway opening, and then carefully resuming ventilation to avoid further inflation of the stomach.
It's important to note that forceful ventilation can lead to gastric distention, and measures should be taken to ensure that air is directed into the lungs rather than the stomach. In severe cases or if problems persist, it is necessary to seek medical assistance as further intervention might be required.