NREMT Paramedic Cognitive ExamAirway, Respiration & VentilationMedium
A 35-year-old male is found unresponsive after a suspected opiate overdose. His respiratory rate is 4 breaths per minute and shallow. He has pinpoint pupils and is cyanotic. After administering naloxone, you continue to ventilate with a BVM. What is the MOST appropriate ventilation rate for this adult patient?
- A6-8 breaths per minute.
- B1 breath every 3-5 seconds.
- C20-24 breaths per minute.
- D10-12 breaths per minute.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 10-12 breaths per minute.
For an adult patient requiring assisted ventilation, the recommended rate is typically 10-12 breaths per minute (or one breath every 5-6 seconds). This rate provides adequate ventilation to maintain oxygenation and CO2 elimination without causing hyperventilation, which can lead to adverse effects like decreased cardiac preload.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 6-8 breaths per minute is too slow and would not provide adequate ventilation for this patient.
- B. 1 breath every 3-5 seconds is a rate of 12-20 breaths per minute, which can be too fast and lead to hyperventilation and its associated complications.
- C. 20-24 breaths per minute is hyperventilation for an adult, which can cause gastric distension and reduce cardiac output.
Adult BVM Ventilation Rate
For an adult patient requiring assisted ventilation with a BVM, the recommended rate is 10-12 breaths per minute (or one breath every 5-6 seconds). This rate aims to provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation while preventing complications of hyperventilation.
- Rate: 10-12 breaths/minute (1 breath every 5-6 seconds) for adults.
- Deliver each breath over 1 second, ensuring visible chest rise.
- Avoid hyperventilation: can cause gastric distension, decreased cardiac output, and cerebral vasoconstriction.
Memory trick: Ten to twelve is the adult's BVM stride, keep good air inside.