In a newborn with a heart rate less than 60 bpm, what is the recommended chest compression rate?

In a newborn with a heart rate less than 60 bpm, what is the recommended chest compression rate?

• A. 60/min
• B. 100/min
• C. 120/min
• D. 140/min

Answer: (C)

When a newborn’s heart rate stays below 60 beats per minute, up the cadence of chest compressions to about 120 compressions per minute. This fast pace is chosen to maximize perfusion to the heart and brain during resuscitation, which is crucial in neonates where circulation is extremely vulnerable. In neonatal resuscitation practice, compressions are given in a 3:1 ratio with ventilations, so you’re delivering rapid compressions while continuing breaths, helping both oxygen delivery and blood flow. Use the proper neonatal technique for compression depth and hand positioning to avoid under- or over-inflating the chest while maintaining this rhythm. The other rates are too slow or not aligned with established neonatal guidance, which is why 120 per minute is the recommended standard.

When a newborn’s heart rate stays below 60 beats per minute, up the cadence of chest compressions to about 120 compressions per minute. This fast pace is chosen to maximize perfusion to the heart and brain during resuscitation, which is crucial in neonates where circulation is extremely vulnerable. In neonatal resuscitation practice, compressions are given in a 3:1 ratio with ventilations, so you’re delivering rapid compressions while continuing breaths, helping both oxygen delivery and blood flow. Use the proper neonatal technique for compression depth and hand positioning to avoid under- or over-inflating the chest while maintaining this rhythm. The other rates are too slow or not aligned with established neonatal guidance, which is why 120 per minute is the recommended standard.