In lividity or rigor, what is the required duration for respirations absent before withholding?

• A. 60 seconds
• B. 15 seconds
• C. 30 seconds
• D. 90 seconds

Answer: (C)

When deciding to withhold resuscitation in someone who shows signs of death (lividity or rigor mortis), you confirm apnea before acting. Lividity and rigor indicate death has occurred, but you still need to be sure there is no breathing that could be mistaken for agonal respirations. Allowing respirations to be absent for 30 seconds provides a reliable check against transient gasps and ensures you aren’t prematurely withholding care or misjudging the situation. The 30-second duration balances the need to confirm apnea with the urgency of the situation. Shorter timeframes (like 15 seconds) risk mistaking brief breathing for normal respiration, while longer periods (60 or 90 seconds) are not standard practice for this decision.