Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is the recommended rescue breathing rate when providing rescue breaths?

1. 1 breath every 5 seconds

2. 1 breath every 6 seconds

3. 1 breath every 10 seconds

4. 1 breath every 15 seconds

The correct answer is: 1 breath every 6 seconds

The recommended rescue breathing rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds is based on guidelines for providing effective ventilations to a victim who is not breathing but has a pulse. This rate is designed to ensure that the breaths are delivered slowly enough to allow the chest to rise adequately without risking over-inflation of the lungs, which can lead to complications such as gastric inflation or aspiration. The 6-second interval allows for sufficient time between breaths to ensure that oxygen can effectively fill the lungs while also minimizing the risk of interrupting circulation, as adequately timed rescue breaths facilitate oxygen exchange in the body. This approach aligns with the overall goal of maintaining adequate ventilation and oxygenation in an unresponsive victim while ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the breaths provided. In contexts where other intervals are considered, such as 10 or 15 seconds, these would not provide sufficient ventilatory support to the victim, potentially leading to inadequate oxygenation. Understanding the appropriate rate for rescue breaths is crucial for anyone trained in BLS, as it directly impacts the outcome of an emergency situation.