What ventilation rate should be used when an endotracheal tube (ET) is in place during CPR?

When an endotracheal tube (ET) is in place during CPR, the appropriate ventilation rate is 1 ventilation every 6 seconds. This rate is based on guidelines that emphasize delivering effective breaths while minimizing interruptions in chest compressions.

Using a rate of 1 ventilation every 6 seconds translates to a frequency of 10 ventilations per minute, which is optimal for oxygenation in patients who require advanced airway management. The timing allows for sufficient inflation of the lungs while still maintaining an effective circulation rhythm through chest compressions.

The other rates suggested by the incorrect options would lead to either insufficient or excessive ventilations. For example, a ventilation every 4 seconds would result in a higher rate of 15 breaths per minute, which can be too fast and potentially cause air trapping or hyperventilation. Similarly, rates of 8 or 10 seconds would provide fewer breaths per minute than necessary, risking inadequate oxygen delivery during resuscitation efforts. Thus, a ventilation every 6 seconds is considered the best balance for effective patient management during CPR with an ET in place.