Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

What characterizes high-quality CPR according to guidelines?

1. Compressions done at a rate of 80-100 per minute

2. Full chest recoil after each compression

3. Withholding ventilations until advanced care arrives

4. Compressions without pauses for any other interventions

The correct answer is: Full chest recoil after each compression

The characteristic that defines high-quality CPR according to guidelines is full chest recoil after each compression. This is crucial because allowing the chest to fully recoil ensures that the heart can refill with blood between compressions, thereby maximizing blood flow and improving the chances of effective resuscitation. An important aspect of high-quality CPR is maintaining a consistent and effective compression depth and rate, combined with adequate recoil. This helps maintain coronary and cerebral perfusion during cardiac arrest. When compressions are performed, any interruption in the recoil can hinder blood flow, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the CPR being provided. In contrast, compressions done at a rate of 80-100 per minute is below the recommended guideline, which typically stipulates a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Withholding ventilations until advanced care arrives is not aligned with current protocols that emphasize delivering rescue breaths in conjunction with compressions, when appropriate. Lastly, while minimizing interruptions in compressions is important, it is more vital that compressions are done correctly, which includes allowing for full chest recoil, rather than simply performing compressions without pauses for all other interventions.