What is the goal of manual mask ventilation?

The goal of manual mask ventilation is to provide adequate minute ventilation to the patient. This is critical in situations where a patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own, which can occur during various medical emergencies, anesthetic procedures, or in patients experiencing respiratory distress. Sufficient minute ventilation involves delivering an appropriate volume of air to ensure that carbon dioxide is effectively eliminated and oxygen is supplied to meet the body's metabolic needs.

In achieving this goal, the health provider holds a mask over the patient’s face and squeezes a bag attached to the mask, allowing for the delivery of positive pressure ventilation. The focus is on ensuring that the patient receives enough breaths per minute and appropriate tidal volumes, thereby maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation until more definitive airway management, like intubation, can take place if necessary.

While preventing aspiration, promoting patient alertness, and addressing the need for intubation are all important aspects of patient care, they do not directly define the primary goal of manual mask ventilation itself. The primary purpose remains centered on achieving adequate ventilation and oxygenation at that moment.