During adult CPR, what is the recommended compression rate?

• A. 60-80 per minute
• B. 30 per minute
• C. 100-120 per minute
• D. 150-180 per minute

Answer: (C)

During adult CPR, the number of chest compressions delivered each minute matters because it directly affects blood flow to the heart and brain. The recommended pace is 100–120 compressions per minute. This rate provides enough force to circulate blood while still allowing the chest to recoil fully between compressions, which helps venous return and overall perfusion. Moving too slowly reduces blood flow, while going too fast can impede chest recoil and the heart’s filling, decreasing effectiveness. The other options don’t fit this rhythm: 60–80 per minute is too slow, 150–180 per minute is too fast and can compromise effectiveness, and 30 per minute reflects the number of compressions in a single cycle (often paired with breaths in older protocols) rather than the continuous rate needed.