Which maneuver involves taking a deep breath, holding it, and contracting abdominal muscles to increase abdominal pressure?

The Valsalva maneuver is a specific technique where an individual takes a deep breath, holds it, and then contracts their abdominal muscles. This action raises intra-abdominal pressure and can also increase intrathoracic pressure. The maneuver is often used in clinical settings to assess cardiovascular function, as it can impact heart rate and blood pressure. This technique can also be useful for clearing the ears or for various medical evaluations.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe this specific action. For instance, a wheeze is a respiratory sound made during breathing that indicates narrowed airways, whereas a diaphragmatic maneuver focuses typically on the use of the diaphragm during breathing rather than abdominal contraction. Forced expiration involves forcibly exhaling air from the lungs, but it doesn’t necessarily include the step of holding a deep breath or contracting abdominal muscles in the same way the Valsalva maneuver does.