What is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths in adult CPR according to American heart association (AHA)

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a universal compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for single rescuers treating victims of all ages.
For adult CPR, this ratio of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths is the standard for both single and two-rescuer scenarios.
This ratio provides a crucial balance between maintaining blood circulation through compressions and providing oxygen through rescue breaths.

Option A: This ratio is not for adults. It is specifically for two-rescuer CPR on infants and children.
Option C: This is not a standard compression-to-ventilation ratio recommended by the AHA for any age group.
Option D: This is not a standard compression-to-ventilation ratio recommended by the AHA. It may be confused with outdated protocols or other non-CPR procedures.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain CPR compression-to-ventilation ratio for adults (AHA guidelines) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Performing high-quality CPR with the correct compression-to-breath ratio is a fundamental, life-saving skill for nurses that directly impacts patient survival after cardiac arrest.
Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions to less than 10 seconds is paramount, as any pause significantly decreases coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure, worsening outcomes.
What if? If the victim was a 5-year-old child and two nurses were present, the correct ratio would change to 15:2 to provide more frequent ventilations, reflecting the higher likelihood of a respiratory cause for the arrest in pediatric patients.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: the procedure (CPR), the patient population (adult), and the governing body (American Heart Association).
Recognize this as a factual recall question based on established clinical guidelines.
Recall the standard AHA ratio for adult CPR, which is a foundational piece of knowledge in basic life support.
Evaluate the options. Eliminate ratios used for other age groups (like 15:2 for two-rescuer child CPR) or those that are not standard (15:1, 5:1).
Select the option that matches the current, universally applied AHA guideline for adult CPR.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: CPR compression-to-ventilation ratio for adults (AHA guidelines)
Stem keywords: chest compressions, rescue breaths, adult CPR, American Heart Association (AHA)
Lead-in keywords: recommended ratio
Negative lead-in flag: false

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

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 610-612

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

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