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Cardiac Arrest and CPR Basics — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Push hard 100-120/min

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Cardiac Arrest and CPR Basics on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Cab

Key facts

Check pulse ≤ 10 sec
Compressions first, then airway

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Do

Nursing actions

Rate 100-120/min, depth 2in
30:2 ratio single rescuer
Full recoil, minimize pauses

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Aed

Key facts

Shock VF/pulseless VT only
Resume CPR immediately post-shock

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Avoid

Key facts

Interrupt > 10 sec
Shocking asystole/PEA

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Quick Tip

Adult compressions are pushed at 100 to 120 per minute, at least 2 inches deep, allowing full chest recoil.

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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