Which statement best describes the correct ventilation rate for an infant in respiratory arrest?

Which statement best describes the correct ventilation rate for an infant in respiratory arrest?

• A. One ventilation every 30 seconds
• B. One ventilation every 2 to 3 seconds
• C. Two ventilations per second
• D. One ventilation per minute

Answer: (B)

The main idea is delivering rescue breaths at a pace that keeps the infant effectively oxygenated without overdoing it. For an infant in respiratory arrest, the recommended rate is about 20 breaths per minute, which means one breath every 2 to 3 seconds. This cadence matches the infant’s higher metabolic needs while avoiding excessive ventilation that can cause lung or stomach inflation and disrupt normal breathing mechanics. Why the other rates don’t fit: giving only a breath every 30 seconds would hardly supply enough oxygen and fail to support the infant’s needs. Giving two breaths every second (120 breaths per minute) is far too fast and can cause lung injury and gastric inflation. Giving only one breath per minute is also far too slow to maintain oxygenation. So, a steady rhythm of one breath every 2–3 seconds is the correct approach for an infant in respiratory arrest. Each breath should produce chest rise and be delivered gently for about a second.

The main idea is delivering rescue breaths at a pace that keeps the infant effectively oxygenated without overdoing it. For an infant in respiratory arrest, the recommended rate is about 20 breaths per minute, which means one breath every 2 to 3 seconds. This cadence matches the infant’s higher metabolic needs while avoiding excessive ventilation that can cause lung or stomach inflation and disrupt normal breathing mechanics.

Why the other rates don’t fit: giving only a breath every 30 seconds would hardly supply enough oxygen and fail to support the infant’s needs. Giving two breaths every second (120 breaths per minute) is far too fast and can cause lung injury and gastric inflation. Giving only one breath per minute is also far too slow to maintain oxygenation.

So, a steady rhythm of one breath every 2–3 seconds is the correct approach for an infant in respiratory arrest. Each breath should produce chest rise and be delivered gently for about a second.