What indicates that a bag-mask seal has been successful?

A successful bag-mask seal is indicated by visible chest rise and fall. This observation demonstrates that the air being delivered through the mask is reaching the lungs effectively. When a proper seal is achieved, the pressure generated by squeezing the bag causes the chest to expand as air inflates the lungs. This physical movement is a direct sign that ventilation is taking place.

Audible breath sounds in the mask or the equal rise of the abdomen may not accurately indicate effective ventilation. Audible sounds can arise from various factors, including airway obstructions or inadequate seals, while equal rise of the abdomen could indicate improper ventilation or even gastric inflation instead of adequate lung inflation. The patient's eyes being open doesn’t relate to the effective management of the airway or the success of positive pressure ventilation, as this can happen in various states of consciousness or responsiveness unrelated to effective respiratory function.