What is the target rate for chest compressions in children?

What is the target rate for chest compressions in children?

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

Answer: (D)

In pediatric CPR, the chest compression rate should be about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This pace provides enough blood flow while still allowing the chest to recoil fully and maintain effective depth with each compression. Rates that are too slow (60–80 or 80–100) reduce perfusion because the heart isn’t being compressed often enough, while a rate that's too fast (140–160) can prevent delivering compressions with adequate depth. So, aiming for roughly 100–120 per minute gives the best balance for effective pediatric chest compressions.

In pediatric CPR, the chest compression rate should be about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This pace provides enough blood flow while still allowing the chest to recoil fully and maintain effective depth with each compression. Rates that are too slow (60–80 or 80–100) reduce perfusion because the heart isn’t being compressed often enough, while a rate that's too fast (140–160) can prevent delivering compressions with adequate depth. So, aiming for roughly 100–120 per minute gives the best balance for effective pediatric chest compressions.