According to AHA guideline 2015, the compression ventilation ratio in adults is?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, the universal compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR is 30:2.
This ratio applies to both single-rescuer and two-rescuer scenarios to simplify training and recall during an emergency.
The cycle consists of 30 high-quality chest compressions followed by the delivery of 2 rescue breaths.

Option B: This ratio is not used for adults.
Option C: This is an outdated and incorrect ratio for any patient population under current AHA guidelines.
Option D: This ratio provides insufficient ventilations compared to the current standard.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Guidelines as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Performing high-quality CPR with the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio is a fundamental nursing skill critical for maintaining perfusion to vital organs like the brain and heart during cardiac arrest.
Nurses must prioritize minimizing interruptions in chest compressions to less than 10 seconds, as any pause significantly decreases coronary perfusion pressure and reduces the chance of survival.
What if? If an advanced airway (like an endotracheal tube or supraglottic airway) is placed, the protocol changes. Chest compressions become continuous at a rate of 100-120/min, and breaths are given asynchronously at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing compressions.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: 'AHA guideline', 'compression ventilation ratio', and 'adults'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS) protocols.
Recall the universal ratio for adult CPR. The AHA simplified this to a single ratio for adults to improve retention and performance during a high-stress event.
Differentiate the adult ratio from pediatric guidelines, where the ratio changes from 30:2 to 15:2 when a second rescuer is present.
Select the option that matches the standard 30:2 ratio for adults.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QI4IQSbILMBCgGxn_kTCMM

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 763-765

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 610-612

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.