What is the recommended breathing rate for rescue breathing in newborns?

The recommended breathing rate for rescue breathing in newborns is 40-60 breaths per minute. This rate is essential because newborns have a higher metabolic rate and oxygen demand compared to older children and adults. In the context of providing respiratory support, it is critical to ensure that the breaths are delivered at the correct frequency to meet their physiological needs.

Delivering breaths at this rate helps maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation, which is vital in the delicate stage of a newborn’s life. This range is specifically tailored to account for their small lung capacity and increased respiratory rates, thus allowing for optimal gas exchange.

For reference, the other choices either undercut the newborn's requirements or exceed what is appropriate for their developmental stage, which could lead to inefficient ventilation or potential complications. This precise understanding of the newborn's needs underlies the protocol for effective rescue breathing.