Which device should be used to administer oxygen to an unresponsive patient breathing 6 times a minute?

In the scenario of an unresponsive patient who is breathing only 6 times a minute, the most appropriate device to administer oxygen is the Bag-Valve Mask. This is because the Bag-Valve Mask allows for the delivery of a higher concentration of oxygen and provides positive pressure ventilation, which is critical for an unresponsive patient who may not be able to maintain adequate ventilation on their own.

When the patient's respiratory rate is significantly decreased (in this case, 6 breaths per minute is quite low for an adult), relying on devices like a nasal cannula or non-rebreather mask would not ensure adequate oxygen delivery. The nasal cannula provides a lower concentration of oxygen and is typically more suitable for patients who can breathe effectively on their own. A non-rebreather mask, while it does deliver a high concentration of oxygen, does not assist with ventilation and would not be able to ventilate the patient if they are unresponsive and not breathing effectively.

The Bag-Valve Mask not only delivers oxygen but also assists with ventilation, making it the most suitable choice for this specific patient presentation. It ensures that adequate tidal volumes are delivered to the lungs, crucial for an unresponsive individual.