Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a 7-year-old child when two or more rescuers are present?

1. 30 compressions to 2 breaths

2. 15 compressions to 2 breaths

3. 5 compressions to 1 breath

4. 10 compressions to 1 breath

The correct answer is: 15 compressions to 2 breaths

The correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a child when two or more rescuers are present is 15 compressions to 2 breaths. This ratio is specifically designed for situations where multiple rescuers are able to provide care efficiently. The rationale behind having a higher number of compressions in this scenario is to ensure that adequate blood circulation is maintained while minimizing the interruption of compressions for breaths. In this context, keeping the compressions at a higher frequency helps to maximize the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by maintaining blood flow. The two breaths provided after every 15 compressions allows for sufficient ventilation to the child’s lungs without excessively prolonging the interruption of chest compressions, which is vital for maintaining blood circulation during resuscitation efforts. Other ratios would be appropriate for different situations or age groups, but they do not apply when performing CPR on a child with two rescuers. For instance, a 30 to 2 ratio would be correct for adults or when a single rescuer is attending to a child, but it does not suit the criteria given in this question. Similarly, the other options represent ratios that are not aligned with the current guidelines for a child in a two-rescuer scenario.