Which maneuver involves closing the mouth, pinching the nose, and exhaling?

The Valsalva maneuver is characterized by closing the mouth, pinching the nose, and attempting to exhale forcefully with the mouth closed. This creates pressure in the chest cavity and subsequently increases intrathoracic pressure. The primary purpose of this maneuver is to equalize pressure in the middle ear, particularly during altitude changes, such as those encountered in aviation or diving.

This technique is particularly effective for equalizing pressure when experiencing changes in altitude, as it helps open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow and balance pressure between the outer ear and the middle ear. Understanding this maneuver is crucial for maintaining ear health and function during flight, as well as preventing barotrauma.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different methods or techniques that involve variations in breathing, pressure management, or ear equalization but do not match the specific actions or objectives of the Valsalva maneuver.