How is the Valsalva maneuver performed?

How is the Valsalva maneuver performed?

• A. Pinch nose, close mouth, and gently blow air from the pinched nose; repeat as necessary
• B. Take a deep breath and hold for 10 seconds
• C. Tilt head to the side and stroke
• D. Swallow while coughing

Answer: (A)

The Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure by forcing air out against a closed airway. It is done by pinching the nose shut, closing the mouth, and gently exhaling as if you’re trying to blow air out through the closed mouth and nose. This closed-airway exhalation raises chest pressure and can trigger a vagal response, which is why the method is used in certain clinical scenarios and reflex tests. It can be repeated as needed. The other descriptions don’t create that same closed-airway exhalation. Simply taking a deep breath and holding it doesn’t generate the heightened intrathoracic pressure, tilting the head and stroking isn’t related to the maneuver, and swallowing while coughing isn’t the technique used.

The Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure by forcing air out against a closed airway. It is done by pinching the nose shut, closing the mouth, and gently exhaling as if you’re trying to blow air out through the closed mouth and nose. This closed-airway exhalation raises chest pressure and can trigger a vagal response, which is why the method is used in certain clinical scenarios and reflex tests. It can be repeated as needed.

The other descriptions don’t create that same closed-airway exhalation. Simply taking a deep breath and holding it doesn’t generate the heightened intrathoracic pressure, tilting the head and stroking isn’t related to the maneuver, and swallowing while coughing isn’t the technique used.