Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

Once a supraglottic airway has been placed, what is the rate of ventilations?

1. 15/min or 1 every 4 seconds

2. 20/min or 1 every 2 seconds

3. 10/min or 1 every 6 seconds

4. 25/min or 1 every 3 seconds

The correct answer is: 10/min or 1 every 6 seconds

After a supraglottic airway has been placed, the rate of ventilations should be 10 per minute or 1 ventilation every 6 seconds. This rate allows for adequate ventilation while ensuring that the patient is not being overventilated, which can lead to complications such as barotrauma. Option A (15/min or 1 every 4 seconds) is too frequent, option B (20/min or 1 every 2 seconds) is also too rapid, and option D (25/min or 1 every 3 seconds) is also too high of a rate for ventilations when a supraglottic airway is in place. Option C is the correct rate to ensure effective ventilation without causing harm to the patient.