The respiratory therapist is using a bag-valve-mask resuscitator to ventilate an adult patient. The tidal volume and inspiratory time produce an inspiratory flow of 60 L/minute. What should the therapist do at this time?

A. Continue providing this level of ventilation.
B. The therapist needs to increase either the Vt or the Ti to deliver a flow greater than 60 L/minute.
C. The inspiratory flow needs to be reduced to 40 L/minute or less.
D. The therapist needs to alternate squeezing the bag gently and vigorously to fluctuate the flow.

ANS: C
A. Incorrect response: See explanation C.
B. Incorrect response: See explanation C.
C. Correct response: For adults, ventilation standards include a frequency of 8 to 10 breaths/minute with a tidal volume of 0.5 to 0.6 liter (6 to 7 ml/kg), and an inspiratory time of 1.0 to 2.0 seconds. This combination corresponds with and inspiratory flow of 30 to 40 L/minute. The use of longer inspiratory times and slower flows is recommended to prevent gastric insufflation.
D. Incorrect response: See explanation C