Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

When delivering ventilations to a child, how long should each ventilation last?

1. 1 second

2. 2 seconds

3. 3 seconds

4. 4 seconds

The correct answer is: 1 second

When delivering ventilations to a child, each ventilation should last about 1 second. This duration is crucial because it allows for sufficient inflation of the lungs without causing over-inflation, which can lead to complications such as barotrauma or gastric insufflation. Ventilating for 1 second is the standard guideline because it strikes a balance between providing adequate oxygenation and reducing the risk of airway issues. The goal is to deliver enough air to make the chest rise visibly, signaling that the ventilation has been effective. If the ventilation lasts too long, it could hinder the child's natural breathing rhythm and result in ineffective breaths. The other options involve longer durations—2, 3, and 4 seconds—which may not be suitable for children, as they can increase the risk of complications without providing additional benefits in terms of oxygen delivery.