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

Appeared in: GMCH Nursing Officer-2025

Explanation

The standard and most widely applicable CPR ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
This 30:2 ratio is used for single rescuers for all age groups (adults, children, and infants), making it the universal standard when a specific scenario is not provided.
For adults, the ratio remains 30:2 even when two rescuers are present.
This ratio balances the need for continuous blood circulation from compressions with oxygenation from rescue breaths.

Option A: A ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths is incorrect for a general CPR question.
Option B: A ratio of 30 compressions to 5 breaths is not a standard CPR protocol. The standard number of breaths is 2 for adults, children, and infants (or 1 for newborns).
Option D: A ratio of 15 compressions to 5 breaths is incorrect and not used in any standard CPR protocol.

Visual 1: Infographic: A clear table showing CPR compression-to-ventilation ratios for adults, children, and infants, differentiating between single-rescuer and two-rescuer scenarios.
Visual 2: Diagram: A visual demonstrating the correct hand placement for chest compressions on an adult, a child, and an infant.

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.
Performing high-quality CPR with the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio is a critical life-saving skill for all nurses, as cardiac arrest can occur in any setting.
Key metrics for high-quality CPR include a compression rate of 100-120/min, adequate depth, full chest recoil, and minimizing interruptions. Focusing on these elements significantly improves survival outcomes.
What if? If two healthcare providers are present and the victim is a child, the ratio changes to 15:2. This modification provides more frequent breaths, which is crucial as pediatric arrests are often respiratory in origin.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: It asks for the standard number of compressions and breaths in a CPR cycle.
Recognize that the question is general and does not specify the victim's age or the number of rescuers.
In the absence of specific details, recall the most universal CPR guideline.
The standard ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on any age group (adult, child, or infant) is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Evaluate the options based on this universal standard. '30 compressions, 2 breaths' is the correct choice.
Consider other ratios: Remember that 15:2 is a special case for two-rescuer CPR on children/infants, but not the default answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

QmxJlK_0a2ZfXLL33wMGB0

Practise the full GMCH Nursing Officer-2025

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