Question

If manually ventilating a patient, you should squeeze the bag every ____ seconds for an adult and every ____ seconds for a child.

A. 5 to 6, 5 to 6
B. 8 to 10, 6 to 8
C. 2 to 3, 6 to 8
D. 5 to 6, 3 to 5

Answer 1

For manual ventilation, an adult should be ventilated every 5 to 6 seconds, and a child should be ventilated every 3 to 5 seconds, corresponding to their respective normal respiratory rates. The correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

If manually ventilating a patient, you should squeeze the bag every 5 to 6 seconds for an adult and every 3 to 5 seconds for a child.

This matches the normal respiratory rates for each age group, ensuring an appropriate amount of air is delivered to maintain sufficient alveolar ventilation without causing hyperventilation or hypoventilation.

For adults, the average respiratory rate under non-exertion conditions is 12-15 breaths per minute, which translates to one breath every 4 to 5 seconds.

For a child, the respiratory rate varies with age, but for ease of memory during manual ventilation, a slightly faster rate is used with one breath every 3 to 5 seconds depending on the child's size and age. Option D. is the correct one.