In CPR with a single rescuer, what is the basic cycle?

In CPR with a single rescuer, what is the basic cycle?

• A. 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths (30:2)
• B. 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths
• C. 20 compressions followed by 2 breaths
• D. 30 compressions followed by 1 breath

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how a single rescuer should pace chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood flowing while still providing oxygen. The best approach is a cycle of thirty chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths, repeated over and over. This setup prioritizes perfusion—compressions move blood through the heart and to the organs—while the two breaths refresh the blood’s oxygen between cycles. Deliver compressions at a steady, fast rate (about 100–120 per minute) and about 2 inches (5 cm) deep for adults, allowing full chest recoil between pushes. After completing the thirty compressions, open the airway and give two breaths, each lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise with each breath. Then resume compressions immediately. In practice, if an advanced airway is in place, the rhythm can shift to continuous compressions with breaths delivered less often (for example, one breath every six seconds), but for a single rescuer starting CPR without an airway device, the 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths is the standard cycle.

The main idea being tested is how a single rescuer should pace chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood flowing while still providing oxygen. The best approach is a cycle of thirty chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths, repeated over and over. This setup prioritizes perfusion—compressions move blood through the heart and to the organs—while the two breaths refresh the blood’s oxygen between cycles.

Deliver compressions at a steady, fast rate (about 100–120 per minute) and about 2 inches (5 cm) deep for adults, allowing full chest recoil between pushes. After completing the thirty compressions, open the airway and give two breaths, each lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise with each breath. Then resume compressions immediately.

In practice, if an advanced airway is in place, the rhythm can shift to continuous compressions with breaths delivered less often (for example, one breath every six seconds), but for a single rescuer starting CPR without an airway device, the 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths is the standard cycle.