What ventilation rate is appropriate when resuscitating an infant?

• A. 20-40/minute
• B. 40-60/minute
• C. 60-80/minute
• D. 80-100/minute

Answer: (B)

In neonatal resuscitation, delivering ventilation at forty to sixty breaths per minute provides the right balance between oxygenation and avoiding lung injury. This rate translates to about one breath every one to one-and-a-half seconds, which allows enough time for each breath to ventilate the lungs and for exhalation to occur without excessive airway pressure. Ventilating faster than this can cause overdistension (volutrauma) and increase intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return and potentially leading to decreased cardiac output and hypocapnia. Ventilating more slowly may not provide sufficient oxygen delivery or CO2 removal, prolonging hypoxia. So the recommended range optimizes oxygenation while minimizing harm. If, after delivering effective ventilation, the infant’s heart rate remains under sixty, escalation to chest compressions is indicated.