Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

In case of cardiac arrest in a child, when should you switch providers during CPR?

1. After every 20 compressions

2. After every 2 minutes

3. Only when the child shows signs of circulation

4. Whenever you feel fatigued

The correct answer is: After every 2 minutes

Switching providers during CPR is crucial to maintaining high-quality compressions. The recommendation to switch after every 2 minutes is based on the observation that fatigue can significantly reduce the effectiveness of chest compressions. When rescuers change roles at this interval, it allows for a brief moment of relief, enabling the new provider to deliver sufficient force and depth with more stamina, thereby improving the chances of a successful resuscitation. Frequent transitions every 2 minutes help ensure that both providers remain physically able to perform the necessary compressions effectively, as continuing without breaks can lead to diminishing returns in effectiveness due to fatigue. Furthermore, it's important to follow established protocols, which typically support this time frame, rather than relying on individual feelings of fatigue or waiting for a physiological response from the child, such as signs of circulation. By adhering to the guideline of changing providers every 2 minutes, you enhance the chances of sustaining optimal CPR quality throughout the resuscitation effort.