Final Answer:
With an advanced airway in place, rescue breaths should be given at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds for adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an advanced airway, such as an endotracheal tube or supraglottic airway device, is in place during adult CPR, the recommended rate for providing rescue breaths changes. The guideline is to deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds. This rate ensures an adequate ventilation rate while allowing for the circulation to be maintained effectively through chest compressions.
To calculate this rate, we consider the standard recommendation of 10 breaths per minute for adults when an advanced airway is not in use. This rate is derived from the traditional CPR protocol, where 2 breaths are given every 30 chest compressions. With an advanced airway, the emphasis shifts to continuous chest compressions, and the ventilation rate is adjusted accordingly. To find the breaths per second, we divide the number of breaths per minute by 60 (seconds in a minute): 10 breaths/minute รท 60 seconds/minute = 1 breath every 6 seconds.
This adjusted rate recognizes the importance of uninterrupted chest compressions for maintaining blood circulation, especially during advanced cardiac life support scenarios. It optimizes the balance between providing adequate ventilation and ensuring consistent circulation, ultimately improving the chances of successful resuscitation in adult patients with an advanced airway in place.