After initiating ventilations with a bag valve mask on a 64-year-old male who is not breathing, what should be checked next?

Checking for the rise and fall of the chest after initiating ventilations with a bag valve mask is crucial as it directly indicates the effectiveness of the ventilation being provided. When you use a bag valve mask, the primary goal is to ensure that air is delivered into the lungs and that the patient is receiving adequate ventilation. Observing the chest for rise and fall allows the rescuer to confirm that air is entering the lungs properly. If the chest is rising, it suggests that the ventilations are being delivered effectively, ensuring that the patient is receiving oxygen.

In contrast, examining pulse rate, heart sounds, or capillary refill time is less immediate in assessing the adequacy of your ventilatory efforts. While monitoring these signs is important for overall patient assessment and management, they do not provide immediate feedback about the success of bag valve mask ventilations. Therefore, focusing on the mechanical aspect of ventilation—seeing the chest rise and fall—is the critical step to confirm proper technique and ensure the patient is benefiting from the provided care.