What should be monitored while giving assisted ventilation?

Prepare for the Canadian Red Cross BLS Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Monitoring both chest rise and heart rate during assisted ventilation is crucial for ensuring that the patient receives adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Observing chest rise allows you to confirm that air is effectively entering the lungs and that the ventilations are working properly. If the chest does not rise, it could indicate that there is an obstruction in the airway or that the ventilations are ineffective.

Simultaneously monitoring heart rate is important because it helps assess the patient's circulatory status and response to ventilation. An increasing heart rate can indicate improved oxygenation and circulation, while a decreasing heart rate might suggest worsening conditions, such as hypoxia or cardiac arrest.

Relying solely on either chest rise or heart rate could lead to misinterpretation of the patient's response. For instance, while chest rise might appear normal, the heart rate could still indicate that the patient is not adequately oxygenated. Thus, both parameters must be monitored together to ensure effective resuscitation and to provide appropriate intervention as needed.

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