What is the appropriate rate for hyperventilating an adult or adolescent over 13 years of age?

The appropriate rate for hyperventilating an adult or adolescent over 13 years of age is 20 breaths per minute. This rate is aligned with emergency protocols that address situations where a patient requires assisted ventilation, particularly in cases of respiratory distress or failure where the goal is to adequately provide oxygen without causing respiratory alkalosis.

In emergencies, it's crucial to achieve a ventilatory rate that meets the needs of the patient, supporting adequate gas exchange while avoiding complications associated with overventilation. The 20 breaths per minute rate allows for a sufficient volume of air to be exchanged, thereby improving oxygenation and removing carbon dioxide effectively.

This rate reflects the common practices found in various guidelines for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and emergency medical services protocols, where careful attention is paid to maintaining a balance between respiratory performance and the physiological needs of the patient.