What can result from positive pressure ventilation if not done properly?

When positive pressure ventilation is administered incorrectly, one of the significant risks involved is the development of a pneumothorax. This occurs when air enters the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall, leading to a collapse of the lung. If excessive pressure is used during ventilation, or if air is inadvertently pushed into the pleural space due to improper mask seal or ventilation technique, it can create a buildup of air that the body cannot absorb, ultimately leading to a pneumothorax.

The other choices, while related to respiratory care, do not directly correspond to the results of improperly performed positive pressure ventilation in the same way. Aspiration typically involves the inhalation of foreign material into the lungs, which is a risk during intubation or if the individual has a compromised airway. Blood clots are generally not a direct result of ventilation practices but are more associated with immobility and other factors. Decreased oxygen supply can occur in various situations, including poor ventilation technique, but it does not specifically highlight the critical risk associated with the mechanics of positive pressure ventilation itself like pneumothorax does.

Thus, recognizing the potential for pneumothorax serves to underscore the importance of proper technique when performing positive pressure