For patients in cardiac arrest, when should rescue breaths be administered?

For patients in cardiac arrest, rescue breaths are administered every 6 seconds during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when performing advanced airway management. This frequency is crucial because it allows for adequate ventilation without excessive interruption to chest compressions, which are vital for maintaining circulation and perfusion to vital organs during cardiac arrest.

When using an advanced airway, the focus is on ensuring that oxygen is delivered effectively to the lungs. Administering rescue breaths every 6 seconds corresponds to a rate of 10 breaths per minute, which aligns with the guidelines for providing ventilation in a patient with an advanced airway in place. This approach balances the need for oxygenation while minimizing disruptions to ongoing compressions, effectively contributing to the overall success of resuscitation efforts.

The other suggested rates do not align with current CPR guidelines for patients receiving rescue breaths in the context of advanced airway management, which is why they are not preferred methods.