What is the recommended chest compression rate for adult CPR?

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

Answer: (D)

Maintaining a steady compression rate is key to keeping blood flowing effectively during CPR. The best answer is 100 to 120 compressions per minute because this range strikes a balance: it’s fast enough to generate adequate forward blood flow, but not so fast that you can’t allow the chest to recoil fully between compressions. Full recoil is essential to let the heart fill again and to restore venous return to the heart.

Rates slower than this reduce perfusion to the brain and heart, making CPR less effective. Rates faster than this can prevent complete chest recoil and reduce filling, also diminishing blood flow. So 100–120 compressions per minute is the range most guidelines target for adults.

A practical tip is to use a familiar tempo, like the beat of Stayin’ Alive, which is close to 104 bpm, to keep the pace consistent.