Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is an important action to take after each chest compression?

1. Pause completely

2. Allow for full chest recoil

3. Perform abdominal thrusts

4. Perform compressions without pause

The correct answer is: Allow for full chest recoil

Allowing for full chest recoil after each chest compression is crucial for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). When the chest wall is allowed to return to its normal position, it facilitates the filling of the heart with blood. This is vital because during cardiac arrest, maintaining blood flow to vital organs depends on the ability of the heart to adequately refill in between compressions. Insufficient recoil can lead to reduced coronary perfusion pressures and ultimately less effective compressions. Ensuring proper chest recoil also contributes to the optimal delivery of oxygenated blood to the brain and other essential organs. Therefore, this action directly influences survival outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest, making it a fundamental component of high-quality CPR. Other actions listed would not support the physiologic needs of the heart and the overall effectiveness of the technique. For instance, completely pausing compressions can disrupt blood flow, while performing abdominal thrusts is not appropriate in the context of CPR. Continuous compressions without pause may not allow for heart refill and can hinder effective resuscitation.