North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

At what frequency should a caregiver administer ventilations every 2 seconds during newborn resuscitation?

1. 1 per 2 seconds

2. 2 per 2 seconds

3. 3 per 2 seconds

4. 4 per 2 seconds

The correct answer is: 3 per 2 seconds

In the context of newborn resuscitation, it is essential to understand the proper frequency of ventilations. When administering ventilations every 2 seconds, the correct frequency is, in fact, 1 ventilation every 2 seconds. This translates to 30 breaths per minute, which aligns with the recommended practice for effective resuscitation in newborns. During newborn resuscitation, the goal is to provide adequate ventilation while preventing over-inflation of the lungs. The recommendation to provide 1 breath every 2 seconds ensures that the caregiver delivers each ventilation with the appropriate timing to allow for effective gas exchange. This frequency allows for oxygen delivery while enabling the newborn's physiological responses to take place without overwhelming the respiratory system. Understanding this principle is critical for ensuring optimal outcomes in newborn resuscitation scenarios. Caregivers must maintain a focused approach, particularly emphasizing the gentle and deliberate administration of each breath to promote the most beneficial results for the newborn.