During neonatal CPR, what is the recommended rate for chest compressions?

• A. Approximately 100–120 compressions per minute.
• B. 60 compressions per minute.
• C. 30 compressions per minute.
• D. 150–180 compressions per minute.

Answer: (A)

Chest compressions during neonatal CPR should be performed at a rate of about 100–120 compressions per minute. This pace provides enough frequent movements to maintain coronary and cerebral perfusion without sacrificing the heart’s ability to fill between compressions. If the rate is too slow, perfusion drops; if it’s too fast, ventricular filling and recoil can be inadequate, reducing the effectiveness of each compression. In practice, neonatal resuscitation combines compressions with ventilations in a 3:1 ratio, totaling about 120 events per minute, which reinforces this target range for compressions. Slower rates (like 60 or 30 per minute) would severely limit blood flow, while a very high rate (150–180 per minute) can impair filling and recoil, making perfusion less effective.