The compression ventilation ratio for providing CPR for an adult victim is

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Explanation

The standard compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR is 30:2, as recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) and other international resuscitation councils.
This 30:2 ratio is consistent for both single-rescuer and two-rescuer scenarios in adults to simplify training and execution.
The primary goal is to maximize chest compression time and minimize interruptions, as high-quality compressions are critical for maintaining perfusion to the brain and heart during cardiac arrest.

Option A: A ratio of 10:2 is not a recognized or recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio in any standard CPR guideline.
Option B: This ratio is incorrect for adults. It provides too many interruptions in chest compressions for an adult victim, whose cardiac arrest is typically of cardiac origin.
Option C: A ratio of 20:2 is not a recognized or recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio in any standard CPR guideline.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines for adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Performing high-quality CPR is a fundamental nursing skill. Knowing the correct ratio (30:2 for adults) is critical for providing effective resuscitation and improving patient survival rates.
Nurses must be able to lead or participate in a code, ensuring that compressions are deep enough (at least 2 inches), fast enough (100-120/min), and that interruptions are minimized.
What if? If the victim is a child and you are the second healthcare provider to arrive, the ratio changes from 30:2 to 15:2. This highlights the need to correctly identify the victim's age and the number of rescuers to apply the right protocol.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on established medical guidelines (AHA Basic Life Support).
First, identify the key patient demographic in the question stem: 'an adult victim'.
Next, identify the specific parameter being asked: 'compression ventilation ratio'.
Recall the universal CPR ratio for adults, which is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Differentiate this from the pediatric guidelines, specifically the 15:2 ratio used for two-rescuer child/infant CPR, to avoid choosing the most common distractor.
Select the option that matches the adult guideline.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines for adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Stem keywords: compression ventilation ratio, CPR, adult victim
Lead-in keywords: is
Negative lead-in flag: false

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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 NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

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