What indicates that you are delivering adequate tidal volume while ventilating an unresponsive patient?

Delivering adequate tidal volume while ventilating an unresponsive patient is best indicated by observing for slight chest rise. This physical sign demonstrates that air is entering the lungs and filling the alveoli, enabling effective ventilation and gas exchange. If the chest rises appropriately, it suggests that you are providing enough volume to promote ventilation.

While pulse oximetry can give information about oxygen saturation, it does not directly indicate whether adequate tidal volumes are being delivered in real-time. Similarly, auscultating for bronchial breath sounds is more relevant for assessing lung conditions rather than confirming proper ventilation during positive pressure ventilation. Fully deflating the bag-valve-mask (BVM) would not provide feedback on tidal volume delivery; instead, it is essential to maintain a seal to ensure that the patient receives the necessary air volume. Therefore, observing slight chest rise is the most immediate and accurate method to assess effective ventilation.