Which scenario indicates the use of positive pressure ventilation?

• A. Apnea
• B. Severe hypoventilation
• C. Airway obstruction
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Positive pressure ventilation is used whenever a patient cannot adequately ventilate on their own, because it actively moves air into the lungs to maintain oxygen delivery and CO2 removal. In apnea there are no spontaneous breaths, so artificial breaths are needed to sustain gas exchange. In severe hypoventilation the patient’s breaths are too shallow or infrequent, and PPV boosts ventilation to achieve adequate gas exchange. In airway obstruction the natural airflow is compromised, and providing breaths via PPV helps ensure air reaches the lungs while the obstruction is addressed or the airway is secured. Because each of these situations requires assistance to ventilation, all of the above scenarios indicate the use of positive pressure ventilation.