What is the recommended rate of chest compressions for adult CPR?

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

Answer: (D)

Maintaining an effective rate of chest compressions is essential for circulating blood during CPR. The recommended rate for adult CPR is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This tempo provides enough speed to sustain blood flow to vital organs while still allowing full chest recoil and adequate depth with each compression. Rates slower than this reduce perfusion, while rates that are too fast can compromise compression depth and chest recoil, making each push less effective. In practice, think of about one compression every half to six-tenths of a second, with the hands delivering about 2 inches (5 cm) of depth in adults.