What is the recommended compression:ventilation ratio for performing neonatal resuscitation on a non-breathing newborn?

• A. 2:15
• B. 3:1
• C. 15:2
• D. 1:3

Answer: (B)

In neonatal resuscitation the priority is to restore oxygen delivery, so ventilation is the focus from the start. If the newborn isn’t breathing, provide effective positive-pressure ventilation. Chest compressions are added only if the heart rate remains below 60 beats per minute after about 30 seconds of ventilation. The recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio is three compressions for every one ventilation, repeated continuously. This balance keeps perfusion up while continuing to oxygenate, roughly delivering about 90 compressions and 30 breaths per minute. Other ratios would tilt too far toward breaths or compressions for a newborn in this situation.