ACLS — Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support — All Questions
← Back to practice3 questions
What is the recommended chest compression rate for high-quality CPR in an adult?
- a.60 to 80 compressions per minute
- b.80 to 100 compressions per minute
- c.100 to 120 compressions per minute✓
- d.120 to 140 compressions per minute
Current AHA guidelines call for a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Rates slower than 100 reduce coronary and cerebral perfusion, while rates faster than 120 shorten the recoil/filling phase and reduce the depth actually achieved, so the diastolic filling of the heart suffers. Staying inside the 100-120 window balances forward blood flow with adequate ventricular filling.
What is the correct chest compression depth for an average adult?
- a.At least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- b.At least 1.5 inches (4 cm)
- c.At least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm)✓
- d.At least 3 inches (7.5 cm)
For an adult, compress at least 2 inches (5 cm) but avoid exceeding 2.4 inches (6 cm). Compressions that are too shallow fail to generate adequate blood flow; excessive depth beyond 6 cm has been associated with injury. Equally important, allow full chest recoil between compressions so the heart can refill.
To maximize the chest compression fraction, interruptions in compressions should be limited to less than:
- a.5 seconds
- b.10 seconds✓
- c.20 seconds
- d.30 seconds
Pauses in compressions (for rhythm checks, ventilation, or defibrillation) should be kept under 10 seconds. The goal is a chest compression fraction of at least 60%. Every second without compressions drops coronary perfusion pressure, which then takes several compressions to rebuild, so minimizing hands-off time directly improves the odds of ROSC.