Review questions: CPR

366. What are the links in the American Heart Association Chain of Survival?

● Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system

● Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions

● Rapid defibrillation

● Effective advanced life support

● Integrated post– cardiac arrest care

367. What is the difference in the etiology of cardiac arrest between and adult and child victim of cardiac arrest?

Most cardiac arrests in adults are sudden, resulting from a primary cardiac cause; circulation produced by chest compressions is therefore paramount.16 In contrast, cardiac arrest in children is most often asphyxial, which requires both ventilations and chest compressions for optimal results.

368.  What are the key components the lone rescuer should perform when he/she comes upon a victim of cardiac arrest?

·         Recognize that the victim has experienced a cardiac arrest, based on unresponsiveness and lack of normal breathing.

·         Activate the emergency response system, and get an AED/defibrillator, if available

·         Start CPR with chest compressions

·         Attempt defibrillation when the AED/defibrillator arrives

369. How might a rescuer recognize that a victim has had a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest victim is not responsive. Breathing is absent or is not normal. Agonal gasps are common early after sudden cardiac arrest and can be confused with normal breathing.  When these signs are present then the rescuer should immediately begin chest compressions.

370. Describe “high quality” CPR.

Rescuers should focus on delivering high-quality CPR:

● providing chest compressions of adequate rate (at least 100 - 120/minute)

● providing chest compressions of adequate depth

● adults: a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5cm) but no more than 2.4 (6 cm)

● infants and children: a depth of least one third the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the chest or about 1 1⁄2 inches (4 cm) in infants and about 2 inches (5 cm) in children

● allowing complete chest recoil after each compression

● minimizing interruptions in compressions

● avoiding excessive ventilation

Reviewed 2/28/16