Question: If there is a shortage of respirators, would forceful exhalation during the second stage of labor be considered a priority for a respirator?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Respirators
My N95 respirator has an exhalation valve, is that okay?
section_content: An N95 respirator with an exhalation valve does provide the same level of
protection to the wearer as one that does not have a valve. The presence of an
exhalation valve reduces exhalation resistance, which makes it easier to
breathe (exhale). Some users feel that a respirator with an exhalation valve
keeps the face cooler and reduces moisture build up inside the facepiece.
However, respirators with exhalation valves should not be used in situations
where a sterile field must be maintained (e.g., during an invasive procedure
in an operating or procedure room) because the exhalation valve allows
unfiltered exhaled air to escape into the sterile field.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Answer is about N95 respirators with exhalation valves but has nothing to do with "forceful exhalation".
The question asks about respirator needs during the second stage of labor. The answer only talks about respirators in general, in terms of how they work. It doesn't mention pregnancy or labor. Therefore, it doesn't relate to the actual question being asked.

Reviewer ratings:
Could be Improved
Bad

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Obstetrical Care
Is forceful exhalation during the second stage of labor considered an aerosol-generating procedure for respirator prioritization during shortages?
section_content: Based on limited data, forceful exhalation during the second stage of labor
would not be expected to generate aerosols to the same extent as procedures
more commonly considered to be aerosol generating (such as bronchoscopy,
intubation, and open suctioning. Forceful exhalation during the second stage
of labor is not considered an aerosol-generating procedure for respirator
prioritization during shortages over procedures more likely to generate higher
concentrations of infectious respiratory aerosols.
When respirator supplies are restored, as with all clinical care activities
for patients with known or suspected COVID-19, HCP should use respirators (or
facemasks if a respirator is not available), eye protection, gloves, and gowns
during the second stage of labor, in addition to other personal protective
equipment that may be typically indicated for labor and delivery. For more
information please see: Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control
FAQs

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
The answer goes into great detail about whether forced exhalation in the second stage of labor should be cause for a respirator. It is a very direct, and detailed answer to the question.
Verbiage of question regarding "forceful exhalation" in question is addressed in very first sentence of answer. Informative and also includes a link for additional information.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Obstetrical Care
How should the use of N95 respirators be prioritized within obstetric healthcare settings during shortages?
section_content: During respirator shortages, care should be taken to ensure that N95
respirators are reserved for situations where respiratory protection is most
important, such as performance of aerosol-generating procedures on patients
with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. In such shortage situations,
facemasks might be used for other types of patient care.
Alternatives to N95 respirators might be considered where feasible. These
include other classes of NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirators, half
facepiece or full facepiece elastomeric respirators, and powered air-purifying
respirators (PAPRs) where feasible. All of these alternatives will provide
equivalent or higher protection than N95 respirators when properly worn.
However, PAPRs and elastomeric respirators should not be used in surgical
settings due to concerns that exhaled air may contaminate the sterile field.
For more information please see: Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95
Respirators: Conventional Capacity
Strategies.
When respirator supplies are restored, the facility can switch back to use of
N95 respirators for all care of patients with known or suspected COVID-19
infection. For more information, please see Interim Infection Prevention and
Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare
Settings.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Answer gives all sorts of alternatives for the healthcare provider to work with to help mitigate their situation if there is a shortage.
The answer talks about alternatives to respirators, but it doesn't mention the need for respirators during the second stage of labor - which is what is specifically being asked about in the question. They want to know if a respirator is necessary during that time. That isn't addressed at all.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Bad