Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Basic Life Support Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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In respiratory arrest care for an adult, what is the recommended frequency of ventilations?

1 ventilation every minute
1 ventilation every 2 seconds
1 ventilation every 6 seconds
1 ventilation every 10 seconds

The correct answer is: 1 ventilation every 6 seconds

The recommended frequency of ventilations in respiratory arrest care for an adult is one ventilation every 6 seconds. This rate provides enough time for adequate inflation of the lungs and ensures that oxygen is delivered effectively without causing hyperventilation. Ventilating too quickly can lead to complications such as air swallowing, increased intrathoracic pressure, and decreased blood return to the heart, which can undermine the efficiency of effective ventilation. In this context, every 6 seconds allows the caregiver to provide a breath while also maintaining a rhythm that is manageable and allows for monitoring of the patient's condition. This timing is based on guidelines that prioritize both the adequacy of the breaths delivered and the patient's overall ventilation needs. It balances the urgency of needing to provide oxygen while also ensuring that the airway is protected and the physiologic needs of the person in respiratory arrest are met.