What is the best method to assess the effectiveness of ventilation in a patient?

Observing chest rise and fall is the best method to assess the effectiveness of ventilation in a patient because it directly indicates that air is moving in and out of the lungs. When ventilation is effective, you should see symmetrical and adequate chest expansion during inhalation and a return to its resting position during exhalation. This visual cue provides immediate feedback on whether the patient is receiving adequate air exchange.

While listening for lung sounds can provide useful information about airway patency and lung conditions, it does not directly confirm whether ventilation is effective in real-time. Checking blood pressure, although important for assessing overall circulatory status, does not relate specifically to the effectiveness of ventilation. Similarly, performing a pulse check tells you about the patient's circulatory status rather than the adequacy of ventilation. Thus, monitoring chest rise and fall is the most straightforward and effective method to evaluate ventilation.