What is the standard method for ventilating an adult patient using a bag-valve-mask (BVM)?

The standard method for ventilating an adult patient using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) involves ensuring an airtight seal and delivering each breath over 1 second, with a ratio of breaths to chest compressions depending on the situation, but typically around 5-6 seconds for adults. This approach allows for adequate inflation of the lungs while minimizing the likelihood of air entering the stomach, which can lead to gastric distension and impede effective ventilation.

Delivering each breath over the course of 1 second allows time for the chest to rise, indicating that the air is entering the lungs properly. The interval of 5-6 seconds between breaths provides a sufficient time frame for oxygen exchange and allows the patient to exhale before receiving the next breath. This helps maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation without causing barotrauma or exceeding the lung's capacity.

The other options do not align with best practices for BVM ventilation. Ventilating continuously without stopping could lead to increased pressure in the thoracic cavity and does not allow for the patient’s own respiratory efforts. A two-person technique can enhance the seal and delivery of ventilation, but it is not mandatory for proper use of a BVM, making it less standard, particularly in solo rescuer scenarios. Deliver