Final answer:
For infant and child CPR, single rescuers should use a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 with 100 compressions per minute, adjusting compression depth based on the child's size. The normal respiratory rate decreases with age, and understanding the Apgar score is important for immediate care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infant and Child CPR Guidelines
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infants and children differs from adults due to their physiological differences. The normal respiratory rate decreases as a child grows. Infants under 1 year typically have a rate of 30-60 breaths per minute, which drops to 18-30 by age 10, and reaches 12-18 by adolescence. For a single rescuer performing CPR on an infant, the compression-to-ventilation ratio is 30:2, and the rate of compressions should be at least 100 per minute, compressing the chest about 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep.
In children from 1 year old until puberty, the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio by a single rescuer also remains 30:2, with a compression rate of at least 100 per minute and a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm). Understanding these guidelines is crucial, especially in emergency situations where the Apgar score indicates the need for immediate medical attention. Effective CPR can significantly impact outcomes in these time-sensitive situations.
Knowledge of lung capacities — such as Maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), Slow vital capacity (SVC), and Total lung capacity (TLC) — is also important when assessing a child's pulmonary function and potential needs during resuscitation.