Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What is the optimal rate for delivering ventilations after intubation?

1. 5 ventilations per minute

2. 8 ventilations per minute

3. 10 ventilations per minute

4. 12 ventilations per minute

The correct answer is: 10 ventilations per minute

The optimal rate for delivering ventilations after intubation is 10 ventilations per minute. This rate is established based on guidelines aiming to balance effective ventilation with the need to avoid excessive intrathoracic pressure, which can impair venous return. At a rate of 10 ventilations per minute, each breath is given enough time for adequate gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the lungs and carbon dioxide to be expelled effectively. This rate aligns with the physiological needs during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and post-intubation care, where maintaining appropriate minute ventilation is crucial for patient outcomes. Lower ventilation rates, such as 5 or 8 ventilations per minute, may lead to inadequate oxygenation due to prolonged intervals between breaths. Conversely, excessively high rates, like 12 ventilations per minute or more, could compromise hemodynamics and lead to hyperventilation, causing reduced carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia) and potentially impairing cerebral perfusion. Therefore, 10 ventilations per minute strikes a suitable balance for optimal ventilation and patient safety.