What is the best way to assess the effectiveness of ventilations provided via BVM?

The most effective way to assess the effectiveness of ventilations provided via a bag-valve-mask (BVM) is by monitoring chest rise and fall. This method provides immediate visual feedback regarding whether the air from the BVM is entering the lungs and causing the chest to expand appropriately. Effective ventilations result in adequate chest rise, indicating that air is being delivered to the lungs effectively.

Listening for breath sounds can be beneficial, but it is not always a direct indicator of successful ventilations, particularly if there are underlying conditions such as obstructed airways or lung pathology. Monitoring heart rate changes can provide additional information about the patient's overall status but may not specifically indicate the effectiveness of the BVM ventilations at that moment. Checking capillary refill time is primarily used to assess perfusion and circulatory status rather than ventilation effectiveness. Thus, monitoring chest rise and fall directly corresponds to the success of the BVM in achieving proper ventilation.