When would you recommend a passenger to perform the Valsalva maneuver?

When would you recommend a passenger to perform the Valsalva maneuver?

• A. Passenger has ear discomfort
• B. The passenger reports ear discomfort
• C. The passenger feels ear pressure
• D. Passenger is experiencing ear discomfort

Answer: (D)

The Valsalva maneuver is used to equalize middle-ear pressure that builds up during altitude changes by momentarily increasing pressure in the nasopharynx to open the Eustachian tubes. You’d recommend it when the passenger is experiencing ear discomfort due to that pressure change—i.e., they are currently having ear discomfort as the plane climbs or descends. The other phrasings describe static states or reporting symptoms rather than the immediate situation of active discomfort, so they’re less precise for timing. Remind them to perform it gently and only if they don’t have contraindications like nasal obstruction or recent ear surgery.

The Valsalva maneuver is used to equalize middle-ear pressure that builds up during altitude changes by momentarily increasing pressure in the nasopharynx to open the Eustachian tubes. You’d recommend it when the passenger is experiencing ear discomfort due to that pressure change—i.e., they are currently having ear discomfort as the plane climbs or descends. The other phrasings describe static states or reporting symptoms rather than the immediate situation of active discomfort, so they’re less precise for timing. Remind them to perform it gently and only if they don’t have contraindications like nasal obstruction or recent ear surgery.