Canadian Lifesaving Manual Practice Test

The correct chest compression rate for performing CPR on an adult is 100-120 compressions per minute. This rate has been established based on research that indicates the effectiveness of compressions in maintaining blood circulation during cardiac arrest. Compressions performed at this rate help ensure that blood is effectively pushed through the heart and into vital organs, which is crucial for the survival of an individual during such an emergency.

Maintaining this compression rate is important because if compressions are too slow, it can result in inadequate blood flow, leading to decreased chances of survival. Conversely, if compressions are too fast, there may not be enough time for the heart to refill with blood between compressions, which can also reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, the range of 100-120 compressions per minute strikes a balance that optimizes the chances of resuscitating a patient following a cardiac incident.