In an infant with a potential code, what is the recommended sequence and ratio for chest compressions and ventilation?

• A. 2:1 ratio with uninterrupted compressions.
• B. 1:1 ratio with simultaneous ventilation.
• C. Chest compressions only, no ventilation.
• D. Initiate CPR with chest compressions at a 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio (approximately 100–120 compressions per minute) with ventilations in between.

Answer: (D)

In infant CPR, you balance restoring circulation with delivering oxygen by using a 3:1 compression-to-ventilation rhythm. That means three chest compressions are followed by one ventilation, repeated rapidly. This pattern results in about 100–120 chest compressions per minute when you count the compressions and ventilations together, with ventilations interspersed between compressions. The reason this approach is used is that infant arrests are often driven by respiratory problems, so timely ventilations improve oxygen delivery while continuous chest compressions maintain blood flow to the heart and brain. The cycle continues until the infant’s condition improves or advanced help arrives.