Final answer:
Breaths should be given to an unconscious pediatric patient with a pulse at a rate depending on their age, generally every 3 to 5 seconds, or about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Age-appropriate breaths are crucial, and for an unconscious patient without a pulse, CPR at a rate of 100 compressions per minute is recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate rate to give breaths to an unconscious pediatric patient with a pulse is determined by their age. For example, a child under 1 year of age normally breathes between 30 and 60 times per minute. By the age of 10, the normal rate decreases to between 18 and 30 breaths per minute, and by adolescence, it aligns more closely with the adult rate of 12 to 18 breaths per minute.
When providing rescue breaths for an unconscious pediatric patient with a pulse, the rescuer should aim to deliver breaths at a rate suitable for the child's age, which generally means every 3 to 5 seconds, amounting to about 12 to 20 breaths per minute for most children. These breaths should be sufficient to make the chest rise, indicating adequate ventilation without causing over-inflation of the lungs. It is crucial to also monitor the ventilation control centers reactions and make adjustments as necessary, keeping in mind that circumstances like cold-water immersion might require a different approach.
In addition to providing breaths, if the heart has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be needed. Current standards recommend chest compressions of at least 5 cm deep at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. However, if a pulse is present, the focus should stay on providing adequate ventilation until advanced medical care is available.