Identify the technique of bag-mask ventilation in the following image?

NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Explanation

The technique shown is the E-C clamp method, a fundamental skill in basic and advanced life support.
The thumb and index finger form a 'C' shape to press the mask firmly onto the face, creating an airtight seal.
The middle, ring, and little fingers form an 'E' shape along the jawbone to lift the chin, opening the airway.
This one-handed grip allows the rescuer's other hand to be free to squeeze the ventilation bag.
It is the standard and most effective technique for a single provider to deliver positive pressure ventilation.

Option A: 'Hook technique' is not a standard or recognized term for a bag-mask ventilation grip in medical or nursing practice.
Option C: The two-hand technique (also called the thenar eminence technique or two-person technique) involves both of the rescuer's hands holding the mask to the face to create a superior seal. This requires a second person to squeeze the bag. The image clearly shows a single rescuer using one hand on the mask.
Option D: This option is incorrect because the technique shown in the image is clearly identifiable as the E-C technique.

Visual 1: Diagram - A clear illustration showing the 'C' shape of the thumb and index finger over the mask and the 'E' shape of the other three fingers lifting the jaw.
Visual 2: Diagram - A comparison diagram showing the single-rescuer E-C technique versus the two-rescuer, two-handed technique to highlight the difference in hand placement and personnel required.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the correct hand-placement technique for single-rescuer bag-mask ventilation (BMV) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Mastering the E-C technique is critical for nurses as it is often the first-line intervention for patients in respiratory distress or arrest.
An improper seal or failure to open the airway leads to ineffective ventilation, hypoxia, and poor patient outcomes.
What if? - If a nurse is unable to achieve chest rise using the E-C technique, they should immediately reposition the head, re-check the seal, and if still unsuccessful, call for a second provider to switch to a two-handed technique or consider an advanced airway.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully observe the image, paying close attention to the rescuer's hand placement on the mask and the patient's jaw.
Identify the distinct shapes formed by the fingers. Notice the 'C' formed by the thumb and index finger over the mask.
Notice the 'E' formed by the other three fingers along the jawline.
Recall the standard names for bag-mask ventilation techniques taught in basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).
Compare your visual analysis with the given options. The 'E-C technique' directly matches the hand position shown.
Eliminate other options. 'Two hand technique' is incorrect as only one hand is on the mask. 'Hook technique' is not a standard term.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the correct hand-placement technique for single-rescuer bag-mask ventilation (BMV).
Stem keywords: bag-mask ventilation, technique
Lead-in keywords: Identify
Clinical cues: The image shows a single rescuer performing the procedure on a manikin, which is a key detail for identifying the technique.

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