NRP Chest Compressions and Cardiac Resuscitation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what heart rate should chest compressions be initiated in a newborn?
- Below 60 bpm after 30 seconds of effective PPV (Correct answer)
- Below 100 bpm immediately
- Below 80 bpm after any PPV
- Below 60 bpm before starting PPV
Correct answer: Below 60 bpm after 30 seconds of effective PPV
Chest compressions are started when the heart rate remains below 60 bpm after at least 30 seconds of effective PPV.
Question 2: What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio used during neonatal resuscitation?
- 3:1 (Correct answer)
- 30:2
- 15:2
- 5:1
Correct answer: 3:1
NRP uses a 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio, providing 90 compressions and 30 breaths per minute.
Question 3: What is the preferred technique for chest compressions during neonatal resuscitation?
- Two-thumb encircling technique (Correct answer)
- Two-finger technique
- One-hand technique
- Heel-of-hand technique
Correct answer: Two-thumb encircling technique
The two-thumb encircling technique generates higher peak systolic pressures and is preferred over the two-finger technique.
Question 4: How deep should sternal compressions be in a newborn?
- One-third the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest (Correct answer)
- One-half the anterior-posterior diameter
- 1–2 cm regardless of chest size
- Until rib resistance is felt
Correct answer: One-third the anterior-posterior diameter of the chest
Compressions should depress the sternum approximately one-third the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the chest.
Question 5: Where exactly should the thumbs be placed for the two-thumb encircling technique?
- Lower third of the sternum, just below the nipple line (Correct answer)
- Upper third of the sternum
- Over the xiphoid process
- Lateral to the sternum on the left
Correct answer: Lower third of the sternum, just below the nipple line
The thumbs are placed on the lower third of the sternum, just below an imaginary line drawn between the nipples.
Question 6: When chest compressions are being performed, what oxygen concentration should be used for PPV?
- 100% oxygen (Correct answer)
- 21% oxygen
- 40% oxygen
- 30% oxygen
Correct answer: 100% oxygen
When chest compressions are required, FiO₂ should be increased to 100% to maximize oxygen delivery during cardiac arrest.
NRP Chest Compressions and Cardiac Resuscitation 1
At what heart rate should chest compressions be initiated in a newborn?