During a seal check of a mask, what should happen when you inhale rapidly?

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Study for the UCF HSC3432 Occupational Safety Exam. Use interactive multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to prepare. Ensure you understand key concepts in health care safety standards and best practices.

When performing a seal check of a mask, inhaling rapidly demonstrates how well the mask creates a seal against the face. If the mask is properly fitted, it will indent slightly against the face as a response to the negative pressure created when you inhale. This indicates that the mask is effectively holding to the contours of the wearer's face, ensuring that there are no gaps where unfiltered air could enter.

A proper seal is critical for masks, especially in healthcare settings, as it helps protect the wearer from inhaling harmful pathogens or particles. If the mask does not indent or if it loosens, that suggests a poor fit, which compromises the protective function of the mask. Indentation signifies that the mask is being drawn closer to the face, effectively aligning with the skin contours to provide the necessary protection.