How should you prepare a pocket mask for use?

• A. Make sure fully inflated
• B. Leave it deflated
• C. Fill with water
• D. Shake to remove air

Answer: (A)

Preparing a pocket mask means making sure the reservoir bag is fully inflated so you can deliver breaths by squeezing it. The bag stores air and, when pressed, pushes it into the patient to provide ventilation. If the bag is left deflated, you won’t deliver enough air with each squeeze, defeating the purpose of the device. Filling with water would contaminate the device and the patient, and shaking to remove air isn’t part of the setup. So a fully inflated reservoir bag is essential to ready the mask for effective ventilation.