The ratio for giving external chest compression and breathing in CPR?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

The correct ratio for adult CPR, whether performed by one or two rescuers, is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
This 30:2 ratio is also used by a single rescuer for children and infants.
This guideline, established by the American Heart Association (AHA), prioritizes high-quality chest compressions to maintain blood flow to vital organs.
The goal is to balance effective circulation from compressions with necessary oxygenation from rescue breaths, while minimizing interruptions to compressions.

Option B: The ratio of 15:2 is not the standard for general or adult CPR.
Option C: A ratio of 30:4 is incorrect. Standard CPR guidelines call for only 2 rescue breaths after each set of compressions.
Option D: A ratio of 15:4 is incorrect. Standard CPR guidelines do not recommend 4 breaths in a cycle.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the correct ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) according to standard Basic Life Support (BLS) 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 that directly impacts patient survival during cardiac arrest.
Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions is critical. Pauses for ventilation should be less than 10 seconds.
In a hospital setting, nurses are often the first responders to a cardiac arrest and must initiate effective BLS immediately while awaiting the code team.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the standard CPR ratio.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question based on established clinical guidelines (AHA/BLS).
Unless the question specifies a particular scenario (e.g., 'two rescuers, infant'), assume the standard adult protocol.
Recall that the universal ratio for single-rescuer CPR and all adult CPR is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Evaluate the options. 30:2 matches the standard guideline. 15:2 is a valid ratio but for a different, more specific population (2-rescuer pediatric CPR), making it a strong distractor but not the best answer for a general question. The other options with 4 breaths are incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the correct ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) according to standard Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines.
Stem keywords: CPR, external chest compression, breathing, ratio
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

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