What is the recommended rate of chest compressions for adults during CPR?

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

Answer: (A)

During adult CPR, the pace of chest compressions should be steady and around 100 to 120 per minute. This tempo provides enough force to push blood effectively through the heart and to the brain and vital organs, without rushing so fast that the heart doesn’t have time to fill between squeezes. If you go too slowly, perfusion drops and outcomes worsen; if you push too quickly, filling becomes incomplete and the amount of blood moved with each compression decreases. Keeping to about 100–120 per minute helps maintain effective circulation while you apply chest compressions. To hit this rhythm consistently, many rescuers use a metronome or a familiar tune at about 100 BPM. Also aim for about 2 inches (5 cm) of depth with full chest recoil after each compression to maximize blood flow.