Which practice supports an effective seal during newborn resuscitation with bag-mask ventilation?

• A. Use a neonatal-sized mask
• B. Use a face shield only
• C. Ensure airway seal with an appropriately sized mask
• D. Ventilate without ensuring seal

Answer: (C)

Creating an airtight seal around the newborn’s airway with the right-sized mask is essential for effective bag-mask ventilation. When the mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth, air is directed into the lungs rather than leaking around the edges, allowing each squeeze of the bag to deliver an adequate breath. Use a neonatal-sized mask to match the infant’s facial proportions, and employ a two-person technique if possible: one person maintains the seal with both hands while the other squeezes the bag and observes chest rise. If you see air leaking, reposition the head toward a neutral or sniffing position and adjust the jaw to improve the seal. A face shield alone does not provide an adequate seal, and ventilating without ensuring a seal leads to ineffective breaths and poor resuscitation progress.