What is the appropriate ventilation rate per minute for adult CPR?

The correct answer is 10-12 breaths per minute for adult CPR because this range aligns with current guidelines for providing effective artificial ventilation during resuscitation. The goal of CPR is to maintain adequate oxygenation and circulation, and in adult victims, delivering ventilations at this rate helps to minimize the risk of hyperventilation while still ensuring that sufficient oxygen is provided to the lungs.

Ventilating at 10-12 breaths per minute allows for a good balance of ventilation timing, giving both the rescuer and the patient enough time between breaths to ensure that air fills the lungs adequately without interrupting chest compressions too frequently. Proper ventilation technique, including ensuring the airway is opened and using the appropriate volume for each breath, is also crucial at this rate to maximize the effectiveness of the CPR being administered.

When considering alternative rates, they often either provide too few or too many breaths, which could compromise the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts. Therefore, adhering to the 10-12 breaths per minute range is vital for anyone performing CPR on an adult.