During the Breathing task for Infants you should:
A Place mouth over Infant’s nose.
B Place mouth over Infant’s mouth.
C Place mouth over Infant’s mouth and nose.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: C. Place mouth over Infant’s mouth and nose.
Explanation:
When performing rescue breathing on an infant (defined as a child under 1 year of age), it is essential to modify the technique used for adults or older children to accommodate the infant’s smaller anatomy. The correct method is to place your mouth over both the infant’s mouth and nose and give gentle breaths. This technique ensures a proper seal and effective delivery of breaths into the infant’s lungs.
Why both mouth and nose?
Unlike adults or older children, infants have small and closely positioned facial structures. Their noses and mouths are small enough that a rescuer’s mouth can easily cover both to create a tight seal. Infants are also obligate nose breathers, meaning they predominantly breathe through their noses, especially in the first several months of life. Covering both ensures the airway is sealed and air is effectively delivered into the lungs.
Breathing technique:
- After ensuring the infant is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, and after delivering 30 compressions if alone or 15 compressions if two-rescuer CPR is being performed, you should:
- Open the airway using a gentle head-tilt, chin-lift (not too far back, as excessive extension can block the airway).
- Place your mouth over the infant’s mouth and nose.
- Give gentle puffs of air (not full breaths, as infants have small lungs and too much force can cause lung damage).
- Watch for chest rise to confirm the breath was effective.
- Give 1 breath every 2–3 seconds (20–30 breaths per minute) if only doing rescue breathing.
Incorrect options:
- A. Mouth over the nose: Would not seal the mouth and may result in inadequate ventilation.
- B. Mouth over the mouth: Would not provide a proper seal and may not be effective in delivering air.
Correct technique ensures oxygenation and is a critical life-saving skill in infant CPR.