19.2
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
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Q1: What is the CAB sequence in Basic Life Support?
The CAB sequence prioritizes circulation, airway, and breathing during CPR. First, initiate chest compressions immediately if no pulse is detected. Then open the airway using the head-tilt chin-lift technique and deliver rescue breaths. This sequence ensures blood flow is restored quickly before addressing breathing, maximizing survival chances in cardiac arrest.
Q2: How do you properly locate and check the carotid pulse?
Place your index and middle fingers on the side of the neck beside the windpipe, in the groove between neck muscles and trachea, below the jawline. Check for a pulse for no longer than 10 seconds to avoid delaying chest compressions. This brief assessment determines whether cardiac arrest has occurred and guides immediate intervention.
Q3: What is the correct technique for performing chest compressions?
Place the heel of one hand on the lower sternum with your other hand on top. Compress the chest at 100-120 compressions per minute to a depth of 2 to 2.4 inches. Allow complete chest recoil between compressions to ensure adequate blood flow. Proper technique and consistent rate are essential for high-quality CPR effectiveness.
Q4: How should rescue breaths be delivered during CPR?
After 30 chest compressions, open the airway with the head-tilt chin-lift technique and deliver two rescue breaths, each lasting 1 second and causing visible chest rise. If an advanced airway is in place, continue compressions without pausing and give one breath every 6 seconds. Avoid over-ventilation, as it reduces CPR effectiveness and compromises resuscitation outcomes.
Q5: What should you do if a pulse is present but the patient is not breathing?
Provide rescue breathing at one breath every 5 to 6 seconds while the patient has a carotid pulse. Recheck the pulse every 2 minutes, ensuring each pulse check takes no longer than 10 seconds. This maintains oxygenation and circulation without the need for chest compressions when cardiac output is still present.
Q6: When should an automated external defibrillator be used during CPR?
An AED should be used as soon as possible if available. Follow the device's prompts and deliver a shock if advised. Resume chest compressions immediately after the shock without reassessing the pulse until the AED instructs otherwise. Early AED use significantly improves survival rates in cardiac arrest cases.
Q7: What are the key elements of high-quality CPR?
High-quality CPR requires minimizing interruptions in chest compressions, ensuring full chest recoil after each compression, and delivering compressions at the correct depth and rate of 100-120 per minute. Properly assessing pulse presence and calling emergency medical services early are equally critical. These elements combined significantly improve survival outcomes in cardiac arrest.