During CPR, a self-inflating manual resuscitator fails to re-inflate properly between breaths. The patient has no spontaneous breaths, but has a pulse. In order to provide rescue breaths and resolve the problem, the respiratory therapist should

A. increase the flowrate.
B. replace the PEEP valve.
C. slow down the rate of manual breaths.
D. replace the resuscitator bag.

Answer: D. It is best to replace malfunctioning equipment, especially during an emergency. A respiratory therapist should avoid making repairs or applying work-arounds with equipment when the patient needs immediate care.