Question

A child is not breathing but has a pulse rate of 50 per minute. The rescuers should:

a. start CPR beginning with compressions
b. give 1 breath every 5-6 seconds
c. give 1 breath every 3-5 seconds
d. do nothing; the child is not in distress

Answer 1

The correct action for a child who is not breathing but has a pulse is to give 1 breath every 3-5 seconds, focusing on rescue breathing rather than starting full CPR with compressions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When responders encounter a child who is not breathing but has a pulse rate of 50 per minute, it is critical to provide rescue breathing rather than starting full cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with compressions. Since the child still has a pulse, compressions are not necessary; however, providing breaths is vital. The correct procedure is to give 1 breath every 3-5 seconds, which means the rescuers should choose option c. If the child's normal respiratory rate is considered, which ranges from 30-60 breaths per minute for infants and decreases to 12-18 breaths per minute by adolescence, then providing 1 breath every 3-5 seconds falls within the necessary range to support the child's breathing until further medical help can be obtained.