In terms of airway management, what is the primary risk associated with mask ventilation?

The primary risk associated with mask ventilation is difficulty maintaining an adequate seal. This is crucial for effective ventilation because if the mask does not form a tight seal against the patient's face, the air can escape, leading to inadequate ventilation. This can compromise oxygen delivery and ventilation, resulting in hypoxemia or hypercapnia.

Maintaining a good seal requires proper positioning of the mask and potentially the need for additional hands to hold the mask in place or to adjust the patient's head position. It's also important to consider the facial structure and any obstructions (such as a beard or facial deformities) that might hinder the effectiveness of the seal.

Other choices, although they can be relevant in specific scenarios, do not represent the primary concern with mask ventilation. Hypoventilation can occur but is more related to inadequate ventilation techniques rather than the seal itself. Barotrauma is a risk with mechanical ventilation or high pressure but is less of a concern with mask ventilation. Increased resistance might be noted in certain situations but is not as fundamental a risk in terms of basic mask technique and airflow as the challenge of maintaining a proper seal.