How should mouth coverage be performed for infant CPR?

How should mouth coverage be performed for infant CPR?

• A. Cover nose AND mouth.
• B. Cover mouth only
• C. Cover nose only
• D. Use a mask only

Answer: (A)

To ventilate an infant effectively during CPR, you must seal around both the mouth and the nose with your mouth. This full seal directs the breath into the tiny infant airway and prevents air from leaking out through either the mouth or the nose. Infants have small, easily leak-prone airways, so covering both openings ensures the rescue breath actually reaches the lungs. Open the airway with a gentle tilt and chin lift, then give breaths that last about one second, watching for the chest to rise with each breath. If you only cover the mouth or only the nose, air escapes and the breaths won’t provide adequate ventilation. Using a barrier device like a pocket mask can help with the seal, but delivering breaths with a seal over both nose and mouth remains essential.

To ventilate an infant effectively during CPR, you must seal around both the mouth and the nose with your mouth. This full seal directs the breath into the tiny infant airway and prevents air from leaking out through either the mouth or the nose. Infants have small, easily leak-prone airways, so covering both openings ensures the rescue breath actually reaches the lungs. Open the airway with a gentle tilt and chin lift, then give breaths that last about one second, watching for the chest to rise with each breath. If you only cover the mouth or only the nose, air escapes and the breaths won’t provide adequate ventilation. Using a barrier device like a pocket mask can help with the seal, but delivering breaths with a seal over both nose and mouth remains essential.