Which of the following is NOT a predictor of difficult bag-mask ventilation?

The correct answer, which identifies an element that is not a predictor of difficult bag-mask ventilation, is based on understanding the factors that contribute to ventilation challenges. Obesity, stiff lungs, and the presence of no teeth are all recognized predictors that can complicate the bag-mask ventilation process.

Obesity can lead to restricted airway spaces and higher airway resistance, making it difficult to achieve effective ventilation. Stiff lungs, often encountered in conditions like ARDS or pneumonia, can reduce compliance, making ventilation more laborious. The absence of teeth can complicate achieving a proper mask seal due to the lack of anatomical landmarks, further complicating the effectiveness of the bag-mask technique.

In contrast, age less than 55 is generally not associated with increased difficulty in bag-mask ventilation. Younger patients often have more flexible airways, better lung compliance, and a higher likelihood of easier management during ventilation situations compared to older individuals, who may have age-related anatomical and physiological changes that complicate the process. Therefore, age less than 55 does not contribute to increased difficulty, making it the correct choice as the factor that is not a predictor of difficult bag-mask ventilation.