Final answer:
Percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation is ideal for children aged 12 or under due to the changes in respiratory rate from birth to adolescence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation (PTJV) is an emergency procedure used to provide ventilation to patients who are unable to be ventilated by conventional means. It is especially important in pediatrics for children who have a compromised airway and cannot undergo standard endotracheal intubation. The use of PTJV is ideal for children aged 12 or younger, as the normal respiratory rate of a child decreases from birth to adolescence, directly impacting the management of their airway.
For children under 1 year of age, the normal respiratory rate is between 30 and 60 breaths per minute, which changes as they grow older. By the time a child is about 10 years old, this rate slows down to 18 to 30 breaths per minute. Finally, in adolescence, the rate settles to 12 to 18 breaths per minute, similar to that of an adult.