Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is the preferred technique for giving rescue breaths to an infant?

1. Mouth-to-nose

2. Mouth-to-mouth-and-nose

3. Bag-mask ventilation

4. Finger sweeps

The correct answer is: Mouth-to-mouth-and-nose

The preferred technique for giving rescue breaths to an infant is mouth-to-mouth-and-nose. This method is effective because it allows for the delivery of air directly into the baby's airway while minimizing the risk of air escaping. Infants have small mouth and airway openings, so covering both the mouth and nose ensures a better seal and provides adequate ventilation. Using this technique, the rescuer can create a tight seal over the infant's mouth and nose, which helps to ensure that the breaths are properly directed into the lungs. This is essential, as infants have a higher respiratory rate and smaller lung volume, making effective ventilation critical in cases of respiratory distress or arrest. In contrast, mouth-to-nose, bag-mask ventilation, and finger sweeps are less appropriate for rescue breaths in infants. Mouth-to-nose may not provide sufficient air delivery since it excludes the mouth, while bag-mask ventilation requires special equipment that may not be readily available in all situations. Finger sweeps, on the other hand, are used to clear an obstructed airway rather than to deliver breaths.