Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What is critical to monitor during the delivery of CPR?

1. Only personal exhaustion

2. Effectiveness of compressions and ventilations

3. Other teams performing nearby

4. Time spent on each compression

The correct answer is: Effectiveness of compressions and ventilations

Monitoring the effectiveness of compressions and ventilations during CPR is crucial because it directly impacts the chances of restoring circulation and restarting breathing in a victim of cardiac arrest. Effective compressions provide blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, which is essential for survival. The proper depth, rate, and timing of compressions, as well as delivering quality ventilations, ensure that oxygenated blood is circulated throughout the body. If compressions are too shallow, too slow, or interrupted for lengthy periods, it diminishes the chances of a successful resuscitation. Regularly assessing the compression rate and ensuring that ventilations are correctly timed and delivered can help adjust and improve the quality of CPR being performed. While personal exhaustion is important, it is secondary to ensuring that the CPR being delivered is effective. The performance of other teams nearby, while it may contribute to the overall scenario, does not take precedence over the direct actions being performed on the patient. Timing spent on each compression is relevant to maintaining a consistent rhythm but should be part of monitoring overall effectiveness rather than being an isolated focus.