While performing high-quality CPR, ?when do pauses in compressions typically occur?
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Intubation
Pulse checks
Checking for responsiveness
Defibrillation
Rhythm analysis
Compressor switches
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answers are:
- Intubation
- Pulse checks
- Defibrillation
- Rhythm analysis
- Compressor switches
Explanation:
High-quality CPR is vital for sustaining circulation and oxygenation to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, during a cardiac arrest. Effective CPR involves minimizing interruptions to chest compressions, as every pause reduces the chances of survival. However, there are moments during CPR when pauses are necessary. These include the following scenarios:
- Intubation: When a person performing CPR needs to insert an endotracheal tube (ET tube) to secure the airway for ventilation, a pause in chest compressions is required. This is to ensure proper placement of the tube without causing harm or disrupting the compressions, which could negatively impact blood flow.
- Pulse Checks: After approximately 2 minutes of CPR, it is essential to assess the patient’s pulse to evaluate the effectiveness of the CPR. Pulse checks typically require a short pause in compressions to feel for a pulse, although some protocols suggest checking for a pulse during compressions, reducing the interruption to chest compressions.
- Defibrillation: When a shockable rhythm is detected, defibrillation is necessary to reset the heart’s electrical system. This requires a pause in chest compressions to ensure no interference with the shock delivered. Once the shock is delivered, CPR should resume immediately.
- Rhythm Analysis: This is part of assessing the patient’s heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. Similar to defibrillation, this analysis requires a brief pause in compressions to allow the monitor or defibrillator to accurately assess the heart’s electrical activity.
- Compressor Switches: In long-duration resuscitation efforts, the person performing chest compressions may tire, and switching to a fresh compressor is important. This switch requires a brief pause in compressions to ensure that the next person is ready to continue without delay.
Minimizing these pauses as much as possible and keeping them brief is crucial for maximizing the survival chances of a person in cardiac arrest. Ideally, no more than 10 seconds should be spent on any interruption to compressions.