The rate described for bag-valve mask ventilation corresponds to how many breaths per minute?

The rate described for bag-valve mask ventilation corresponds to how many breaths per minute?

• A. 20 breaths per minute
• B. 12 breaths per minute
• C. 30 breaths per minute
• D. 15 breaths per minute

Answer: (A)

Bag-valve mask ventilation aims to deliver a steady, adequate rate to keep the patient ventilated without overdoing it. The rate described here is about twenty breaths per minute, which is roughly one breath every three seconds. This pace helps achieve sufficient minute ventilation when you’re providing assisted ventilation with a mask, while you monitor chest rise, oxygen saturation, and, if available, capnography. It’s fast enough to ensure oxygen delivery but not so fast that you cause large swings in intrathoracic pressure or gastric insufflation. In different situations, such as during CPR, ventilation rates are adjusted (often slower) to coordinate with chest compressions, but for standard BVM ventilation, about twenty breaths per minute is a typical target.

Bag-valve mask ventilation aims to deliver a steady, adequate rate to keep the patient ventilated without overdoing it. The rate described here is about twenty breaths per minute, which is roughly one breath every three seconds. This pace helps achieve sufficient minute ventilation when you’re providing assisted ventilation with a mask, while you monitor chest rise, oxygen saturation, and, if available, capnography. It’s fast enough to ensure oxygen delivery but not so fast that you cause large swings in intrathoracic pressure or gastric insufflation. In different situations, such as during CPR, ventilation rates are adjusted (often slower) to coordinate with chest compressions, but for standard BVM ventilation, about twenty breaths per minute is a typical target.