What is positive pressure ventilation (PPV)?

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) refers to the technique of assisting or replacing spontaneous breathing by utilizing a device to force air into the lungs. This approach is crucial in emergency medical situations where a patient cannot breathe adequately or at all. By applying pressure to deliver air, PPV ensures that oxygen reaches the lungs, promoting adequate gas exchange and improving oxygenation of the blood. This is especially vital in instances of respiratory failure, suffocation, or any condition where natural breathing is compromised.

The other options do not encapsulate the essence of PPV. Providing oxygen through a mask primarily serves to augment oxygen levels in a patient’s bloodstream but does not actively facilitate the movement of air into the lungs in the manner that PPV does. Assisting with chest compressions relates to cardiac compressions, vital in cases of cardiac arrest, and is not directly associated with ventilation methods. Connecting to a ventilator can be part of PPV, but the definition itself specifically emphasizes the action of forcing air into the lungs rather than just the device used.