At what rate should compressions be delivered during adult CPR?

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

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to maintain a pace that provides steady blood flow without sacrificing the ability to push hard and allow the chest to recoil. The recommended rate for adult CPR is about 100 to 120 compressions per minute, which works out to roughly one compression every 0.5 to 0.6 seconds. This speed balances depth and refill: if you go slower, perfusion drops; if you go faster, you may compress too shallowly or not allow full chest recoil, reducing blood flow to the brain and heart. So staying in that 100–120 per minute range keeps each squeeze effective and helps maintain circulation. A practical cue is to keep a rhythm near the tempo of songs like Stayin’ Alive, which is around that pace.