For infants, what duration of time is considered apneic?

In the context of infants, apnea is defined as a pause in breathing that lasts longer than 20 seconds. This duration is significant because apnea can indicate potential underlying health issues and is a critical concern in neonatal care. Breathing pauses can also be accompanied by bradycardia (decreased heart rate) and oxygen desaturation, making it essential to recognize these episodes accurately.

The 20-second threshold helps healthcare providers differentiate between normal variations in breathing patterns and clinically significant apnea that may require intervention. By understanding this standard, nurses and medical professionals can take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the infant, including monitoring and possibly resuscitation efforts if necessary. Other durations are shorter and do not meet the clinical criteria used to define apnea in infants.