In CPR, how many chest compressions are given before delivering breaths?

In CPR, how many chest compressions are given before delivering breaths?

• A. 20 chest compressions: 2 breaths
• B. 30 chest compressions: 2 breaths
• C. 40 chest compressions: 2 breaths
• D. 15 chest compressions: 2 breaths

Answer: (B)

Maintaining blood flow to the brain and heart is the priority in CPR, so chest compressions come first to circulate oxygenated blood. In an adult, the recommended cycle is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, and you repeat that pattern. This 30:2 ratio keeps blood flowing efficiently while still providing ventilation; delaying breaths too long would deprive tissues of oxygen, while too frequent breaths would interrupt perfusion. Good technique also involves a rate around 100–120 compressions per minute with full chest recoil and minimal interruptions. The other suggested counts would either reduce blood flow or interrupt ventilation too often, making them less effective for an adult cardiac arrest scenario.

Maintaining blood flow to the brain and heart is the priority in CPR, so chest compressions come first to circulate oxygenated blood. In an adult, the recommended cycle is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, and you repeat that pattern. This 30:2 ratio keeps blood flowing efficiently while still providing ventilation; delaying breaths too long would deprive tissues of oxygen, while too frequent breaths would interrupt perfusion. Good technique also involves a rate around 100–120 compressions per minute with full chest recoil and minimal interruptions. The other suggested counts would either reduce blood flow or interrupt ventilation too often, making them less effective for an adult cardiac arrest scenario.