During the Breathing task for Infants you should: a) Place mouth over Infant’s mouth. b) Place mouth over Infant’s nose. c) Place mouth over Infant’s mouth and nose.
The correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is c) Place mouth over the infant’s mouth and nose.
When performing rescue breathing on an infant (under 1 year of age), it is essential to cover both the mouth and nose. This is due to the size and anatomy of an infant’s airway. Their nasal passages are proportionally larger, and their mouths are smaller compared to older children or adults, making it crucial to cover both areas for effective ventilation.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Positioning: First, ensure that the infant is lying on a firm, flat surface. Slightly tilt the infant’s head back to open the airway by gently lifting their chin (called the “head tilt-chin lift” technique). However, be cautious to avoid overextending the neck, which can block the airway.
- Creating a Seal: When you place your mouth over both the infant’s mouth and nose, you’re ensuring a tight seal. Without a proper seal, air might escape, leading to ineffective rescue breaths. Infants’ airways are quite small and sensitive, so even a small amount of escaping air can reduce the efficiency of rescue breathing.
- Breathing Technique: After creating the seal, deliver gentle breaths. The force of the breath should be just enough to make the infant’s chest rise visibly. Too much force can damage their delicate lungs. You should give one breath every 3-5 seconds, allowing the chest to fully recoil before giving the next breath.
- Importance: Covering both the mouth and nose ensures that air effectively reaches the lungs. Infants rely more on nasal breathing than mouth breathing, so sealing only the mouth may not provide adequate ventilation. This method is a critical part of infant CPR and can be life-saving in emergencies where the infant is unresponsive and not breathing adequately.
Understanding this technique is vital for anyone responsible for the care of infants, including parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers.