Nenate Ambu Bag

[Yayamaya, RN]

I have a very stupid question to ask. If you were to give a neonate manual recusitation you would use a small "ambu" bag is there a setting on it? I recall being told it should be on 7 but unsure of where on the bag that number is?

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

Not a stupid question! Usually an anesthesia bag is used with the neonatal population- in my experience. This type of bag has to be connected to an O2 source to fill, unlike the self inflating bags used in the rest of the hospital. It is easier to feel the lung compliance. There is a pressure gage on the bag to keep an eye on how much pressure you are bagging with and for a term baby- this number is usually between 5-10. However, it is better to use only as much pressure as needed to make a good chest rise.

Hope this helps!

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I too think they're referring to the amt of pressure you use to bag. But all the guidelines say it's better to watch the baby and not the gauge - if the chest is rising/falling you are putting enough pressure.

Neonatal ambu bags are about 3inches across, give or take (don't have a ruler or a bag, LOL). They are tiny, and the preemie ones are even tinier.

[Yayamaya, RN]

Okay - this makes sense now!! So does the bag inflate as you pump it? Thanks ladies

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

You squeeze the bag - it deflates as you squeeze it.

[Yayamaya, RN]

So you turn the O2 supply on, you set the pressure, the bag inflates, you press, then it deflates? Sometimes it seems the simplest tasks stump me to no end!

[nessajune21]

I sense you've never used an ambu bag?

The O2 doesn't inflate the bag- it is merely supplemental.

Here is a link that might help you in understanding how it works. However, I have to agree that the most important thing to watch is for chest rise and fall. As soon as the chest rises, then you have given the patient enough air.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bag_valve_mask

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Thanks, nessajune. :) I tried to find something on youtube but the vids were either too long or there wasn't a clear picture of an ambu bag in use.

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

If you are bagging a baby for a long period of time, you should be keeping an eye on the pressure via manometer...and document it. Most neonatal bags have pop-off valves so you can't go above 30, else you will blow a lung.

Anyone using NEOPUFF for resus now? We just got two. Our tertiary care center that we ship to is using them exclusively.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Our NICU uses neopuffs when they attend deliveries.