Question

If a patient's mechanical ventilator malfunctions, you should remove the patient from the ventilator and:

Select one:
A. place the patient on a nasal cannula.
B. place the patient on a nonrebreathing mask.
C. begin ventilations with a bag-valve mask.
D. contact medical control

Answer 1

In case of mechanical ventilator malfunction, immediately remove the patient from the ventilator and begin manual ventilation using a bag-valve mask while contacting medical control for further guidance. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient's mechanical ventilator malfunctions, it is crucial to ensure that they can still receive adequate ventilation. The correct immediate action is to remove the patient from the malfunctioning ventilator and begin ventilation manually.

The best method for manual ventilation in this urgent situation is to use a bag-valve mask (BVM). This device allows a rescuer to provide breaths directly to the patient, ensuring they get the oxygen they need. It is also important to contact medical control for further instructions and to address the malfunctioning equipment. However, the immediate priority is to secure the patient's airway and ventilation with the BVM.