Nurse working in an ICU must be aware of the ratio of chest compression to ventilation in CPR procedure is

Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer-2017

Explanation

Among the given options, 15:2 is the correct ratio for two-rescuer CPR in infants and children.
This ratio was also part of previous adult CPR guidelines, which may be why it appears in older exam questions.
It is critical to know that the current American Heart Association (AHA) guideline for single and two-rescuer adult CPR is 30:2.
Since the question does not specify the patient's age and 30:2 is not an option, 15:2 is the most plausible answer.

Option A: The ratio 12:1 is not, and has not been, a standard recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio in any major CPR guideline (adult, pediatric, or neonatal).
Option B: The ratio 12:2 is not a standard recommended CPR ratio. It does not align with any current or recent AHA guidelines.
Option C: The ratio 15:1 is incorrect. While 15 compressions are part of the two-rescuer pediatric sequence, it is always paired with 2 ventilations (15:2), not one.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing CPR compression-to-ventilation ratio in acute care settings.
Knowing the correct, up-to-date CPR ratios is a fundamental skill for any nurse, as delays or incorrect procedures during a cardiac arrest drastically reduce survival chances.
In an ICU, the nurse is often the first to recognize an arrest and initiate high-quality CPR, making this knowledge immediately life-saving.
What if? If the patient has an advanced airway (like an endotracheal tube) in place, the ratio system is abandoned. Compressions become continuous at 100-120/min, and one breath is given every 6 seconds without pausing compressions.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for a specific CPR ratio in a healthcare setting (ICU).
Recall the standard AHA guidelines. The primary ratio for adults is 30:2.
Scan the options provided. Notice that the current adult standard of 30:2 is not available.
Consider other valid CPR ratios. The ratio for 2-rescuer pediatric CPR is 15:2. This was also a former adult CPR ratio.
Evaluate the remaining options (12:1, 12:2, 15:1). These are not standard ratios.
Select 15:2 as it is a recognized guideline, unlike the other options, making it the 'most correct' answer in a question with outdated or incomplete options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 3 p. 46-48

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

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