Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

When performing compressions, what is the maximum duration without a rotation of roles?

1. 1 minute

2. 2 minutes

3. 3 minutes

4. 5 minutes

The correct answer is: 2 minutes

In the context of Basic Life Support (BLS), maintaining high-quality chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for the effectiveness of the intervention. The correct answer indicates that a maximum duration of 2 minutes of uninterrupted compressions is recommended before switching or rotating roles with another rescuer. This 2-minute interval allows for adequate compression depth and rate while minimizing fatigue among rescuers. Research has shown that after 2 minutes of continuous chest compressions, the quality tends to decline due to fatigue, leading to a decrease in blood flow generated to the heart and brain. Rotating roles ensures that compressions remain effective and that the rescuers can maintain a strong performance without becoming overly fatigued. While shorter intervals may be beneficial in certain circumstances, adhering to the 2-minute guideline allows for a balance between maintaining the quality of chest compressions and ensuring that rescuers do not exhaust themselves, thus maximizing the chance of a successful resuscitation. This evidence-based practice is essential for high-quality CPR, which is vital to improve outcomes in cardiac arrest situations.