What is the appropriate rate for administering rescue breathing to an adult?

The appropriate rate for administering rescue breathing to an adult is one normal breath every five seconds. This rate is established based on guidelines from organizations that emphasize the importance of providing adequate breaths to an unresponsive adult who does not have a pulse or is not breathing effectively.

Administering breaths at this rate allows for sufficient time between each breath to ensure that the chest can fully rise and fall, promoting effective oxygenation. Each breath should take about one second, with the chest visibly rising to indicate that air is entering the lungs. This method ensures that the victim receives the necessary oxygen while minimizing the risk of hyperventilation, which can be harmful.

The other rates indicated in the choices are either too frequent or too infrequent, potentially compromising the effectiveness of rescue breathing or leading to complications. Adhering to the established rate of one breath every five seconds is crucial for effective resuscitation efforts.