What chest compression rate is recommended for pediatric CPR?

What chest compression rate is recommended for pediatric CPR?

• A. 60-80 compressions per minute
• B. 80-100 compressions per minute
• C. 100-120 compressions per minute
• D. 140-160 compressions per minute

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is choosing the chest compression rate that best sustains perfusion during pediatric CPR. High-quality CPR relies on a rhythm that provides enough blood flow without sacrificing chest recoil. If the rate is too slow, coronary and cerebral perfusion drops, decreasing the chance of return of spontaneous circulation. If the rate is too fast, the chest may not fully recoil between compressions, which reduces venous return and stroke volume, also lowering perfusion. The recommended range is 100 to 120 compressions per minute because it strikes a balance: it’s fast enough to maintain adequate blood flow but not so fast that compressions are shallow or incomplete. This translates to about 1.7 to 2 compressions per second, allowing each compression to be deep (about one-third of the chest diameter in children) with full recoil and minimal unnecessary pauses. This guidance applies to pediatric patients to optimize perfusion during both single- and multi-rescuer CPR. Rates well below this range (for example, 60–80 or 80–100 per minute) would slow the flow of blood, while rates well above (such as 140–160 per minute) can compromise the depth and recoil of each compression.

The main idea being tested is choosing the chest compression rate that best sustains perfusion during pediatric CPR. High-quality CPR relies on a rhythm that provides enough blood flow without sacrificing chest recoil. If the rate is too slow, coronary and cerebral perfusion drops, decreasing the chance of return of spontaneous circulation. If the rate is too fast, the chest may not fully recoil between compressions, which reduces venous return and stroke volume, also lowering perfusion.

The recommended range is 100 to 120 compressions per minute because it strikes a balance: it’s fast enough to maintain adequate blood flow but not so fast that compressions are shallow or incomplete. This translates to about 1.7 to 2 compressions per second, allowing each compression to be deep (about one-third of the chest diameter in children) with full recoil and minimal unnecessary pauses. This guidance applies to pediatric patients to optimize perfusion during both single- and multi-rescuer CPR.

Rates well below this range (for example, 60–80 or 80–100 per minute) would slow the flow of blood, while rates well above (such as 140–160 per minute) can compromise the depth and recoil of each compression.