What is the recommended rate of chest compressions in pediatric advanced life support (PALS) for children and infants?
A.
60-80 compressions per minute
B.
80-100 compressions per minute
C.
100-120 compressions per minute
D.
120-140 compressions per minute
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. 100-120 compressions per minute.
In Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), the recommended rate of chest compressions for children and infants is 100-120 compressions per minute. This guideline is critical to ensuring effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that maintains sufficient circulation during cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
Explanation:
The heart’s ability to pump blood is compromised during cardiac arrest, making manual chest compressions essential to restoring circulation. High-quality compressions at an appropriate rate provide the necessary perfusion of oxygenated blood to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, to prevent irreversible damage.
- Compression Rate: The range of 100-120 compressions per minute is considered optimal because it balances the need for adequate blood flow without exhausting the rescuer. Rates below 100 compressions per minute can result in insufficient perfusion, while rates above 120 may compromise the depth and effectiveness of compressions, leading to less efficient blood circulation.
- Compression Depth:
- Children: The recommended depth for chest compressions is about 2 inches (5 cm) or one-third the depth of the chest.
- Infants: The depth should be about 1.5 inches (4 cm), or similarly one-third the depth of the chest.
- Importance of Allowing Full Chest Recoil: It’s essential to allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression to allow the heart to refill with blood. Failure to allow recoil reduces the amount of blood the heart can pump on the next compression, diminishing the effectiveness of CPR.
- Minimizing Interruptions: During CPR, interruptions in compressions should be minimized to maintain consistent blood flow. Studies have shown that survival rates are higher when compressions are continuous and performed at the recommended rate and depth.
By adhering to the 100-120 compressions per minute guideline, rescuers can maximize the chances of restoring spontaneous circulation and improving the survival outcomes for children and infants experiencing cardiac arrest.