For an adult, how many breaths should be given every five seconds for a total of 24 cycles?

The correct answer is one breath every five seconds for an adult during rescue breathing. This is based on the standard guidelines for providing ventilations during CPR. The rationale behind this frequency is to ensure that the person being assisted receives adequate oxygen without over-inflating their lungs, which can cause complications.

In the context of providing effective rescue breaths, administering one breath every five seconds allows enough time for the lungs to inflate and for the body to absorb the oxygen before the next breath is given. This rhythm supports efficient gas exchange, which is critical for sustaining life in a non-breathing adult. Therefore, following this guideline ensures a balance between providing critical oxygen and preventing harm.

In contrast, providing more than one breath in that timeframe could lead to excessive pressure in the lungs or ineffective ventilation, diminishing the chances of successful resuscitation.