What is the recommended compression rate during CPR?

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

Answer: (C)

When delivering CPR, the speed of chest compressions directly affects how much blood you can move through the body each minute. The recommended rate is 100-120 compressions per minute because it provides a strong, steady flow without rushing so quickly that you can't allow the chest to recoil fully or maintain adequate depth. If you go slower, perfusion drops because blood isn't being circulated fast enough. If you push too fast, you risk shallower compressions and incomplete chest recoil, which also lowers blood return to the heart and overall blood flow. A practical way to hit this pace is to use a metronome or count to about two compressions per second, staying within the 100-120 per minute range while maintaining good depth and minimizing interruptions.