What should you always ensure is in the operating room prior to the procedure?

• A. Ambu bag
• B. Suction canisters
• C. Defibrillator
• D. Suture pack

Answer: (A)

Being prepared to maintain a patient’s ventilation as soon as anesthesia is induced is the most critical safety step before starting. An Ambu bag (bag-valve-mask) lets you deliver manual, positive-pressure ventilation immediately if the airway becomes obstructed or if intubation is difficult, giving you time to secure a definitive airway while ensuring oxygen delivery. It should be readily available, functioning, and connected to a proper oxygen source with the correct mask sizes ready.

Suction canisters, a defibrillator, and a suture pack are important in the OR, but they don’t address the immediate need to ventilate if the airway is compromised during induction. The Ambu bag directly supports life-sustaining ventilation from the moment care begins.