How many compressions and breaths should you do for each cycle of CPR?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Explanation

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for Basic Life Support (BLS), the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for an adult victim is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
This 30:2 ratio is also the standard for a single rescuer performing CPR on a child or infant.
The goal is to provide continuous, high-quality chest compressions to circulate oxygenated blood while minimizing interruptions for rescue breaths.
This universal ratio simplifies training for lay rescuers and healthcare providers alike.

Option B: A ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths is incorrect for single-rescuer CPR or for any adult CPR.
Option C: Giving 5 breaths is incorrect and not part of any standard CPR protocol. It would cause excessive interruptions in chest compressions and could lead to gastric inflation.
Option D: This ratio combines an incorrect number of compressions with an incorrect number of breaths. It does not align with any established BLS guidelines.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Adhering to the correct 30:2 ratio is critical for maximizing the chances of survival and ensuring good neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. It balances blood circulation with oxygenation.
Nurses must be proficient in BLS and ready to initiate high-quality CPR immediately upon recognizing a cardiac arrest, as every minute of delay reduces the chance of survival.
What if? If an advanced airway (like an endotracheal tube) is in place, the protocol changes. Compressions become continuous at 100-120/min, and breaths are given independently at a rate of 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/min) without pausing compressions.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the standard CPR compression-to-breath ratio.
Recall the Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines taught in nursing and medical training.
The question does not specify the age of the victim or the number of rescuers, so you should assume the most common scenario: an adult victim with a single rescuer.
The universal ratio for single-rescuer CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Evaluate the options based on this standard.
Eliminate options with incorrect numbers of breaths (5 breaths) and the ratio used for two-rescuer pediatric CPR (15:2).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio
Stem keywords: CPR, compressions, breaths, cycle
Lead-in keywords: How many

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 3 p. 45-47

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

Practise the full UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

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