What is the compression and ventilation ratio provided by the first aider in each cycle of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for an adult?

Appeared in: MNS 2024

Explanation

The standard guideline for adult CPR, whether by one or two rescuers, is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
This 30:2 ratio provides a balance between circulating oxygenated blood via compressions and replenishing oxygen supply via ventilations.
Current resuscitation protocols emphasize minimizing interruptions in chest compressions to maximize blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart.

Option B: The 15:2 ratio is not used for adults. It is specifically recommended for two-rescuer CPR on children and infants.
Option C: A ratio of 30:5 is not a recognized or recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio in any standard CPR guideline.
Option D: A ratio of 20:5 is not a standard CPR ratio and is not recommended by any resuscitation council.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Ratios as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Immediate initiation of high-quality CPR is a critical determinant of survival and neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Following the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio is essential for providing effective basic life support until advanced help arrives.
What if the victim is a child and there are two rescuers? The ratio changes to 15:2. This provides more frequent breaths, which is crucial as cardiac arrest in children is often due to respiratory issues.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements of the question: 'compression and ventilation ratio', 'CPR', and 'adult'.
This is a factual recall question based on established medical guidelines (like the American Heart Association - AHA).
Recall the standard CPR ratio for an adult victim.
Evaluate the given options. The standard ratio for a single rescuer for an adult is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Select the option that matches the standard guideline, which is 30:2.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Ratios
Stem keywords: compression, ventilation ratio, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, adult, first aider
Lead-in keywords: What 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

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

Practise the full MNS 2024

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