For a 6-month-old infant in cardiac arrest, which ventilation rate is appropriate after advanced airway insertion?

In the case of a 6-month-old infant in cardiac arrest, the appropriate ventilation rate after an advanced airway insertion is generally recommended to be 10 breaths per minute. This rate is in alignment with current pediatric resuscitation guidelines which emphasize providing a sufficient but not excessive number of breaths to ensure effective ventilation without causing hyperventilation.

At 10 breaths per minute, each breath ideally delivers adequate oxygenation and allows for proper exhalation of carbon dioxide, crucial in a critical care scenario like cardiac arrest. This rate balances the need for supporting the infant's respiratory function while preventing potential complications associated with overventilation, such as increased intrathoracic pressure and impaired hemodynamics.

Understanding the context of the other options can clarify why they are not as suitable. A lower rate such as 8 breaths per minute might not provide sufficient oxygenation in a situation of cardiac arrest where rapid intervention is necessary. On the other hand, rates higher than 10 breaths per minute, such as 12 or 20 breaths per minute, could lead to excessive ventilation. This could increase the risk of barotrauma or reduce venous return to the heart, potentially worsening the situation. Thus, the selected rate of 10 breaths per minute is optimal for