What is the compression-ventilation ratio for a lone rescuer performing CPR?

The correct answer is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations, which reflects the current guidelines for CPR provided by the AHA for a lone rescuer. This ratio is vital for optimizing blood flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest scenarios.

In adult CPR, the emphasis is on high-quality chest compressions, which should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Taking this into account, the compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 serves to ensure that the adult victim receives effective circulatory support while also delivering necessary breaths. The 30 compressions help maintain blood circulation to vital organs, while the 2 ventilations ideally ensure that oxygen is being delivered to the lungs.

This ratio also simplifies the process for single rescuers, allowing them to easily remember and consistently apply it. In contrast, other ratios presented in the options are either outdated or not in line with the standard for adult CPR, which emphasizes the importance of the 30:2 approach for maximizing the chances of survival until advanced care can be provided.