Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam 2025 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The term "compressions-only CPR" specifically refers to a technique where chest compressions are administered without any rescue breaths or mouth-to-mouth ventilation. This method emphasizes the importance of maintaining blood circulation by ensuring continuous chest compressions to push blood to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, during a cardiac arrest.

In situations where bystanders may be hesitant to perform mouth-to-mouth due to concerns about safety or technique, compressions-only CPR provides a simpler and effective approach. It is especially recommended for adult victims who experience sudden cardiac arrest, as high-quality chest compressions can significantly improve survival rates.

The focus on continuous compressions without interruptions for ventilations acknowledges that the primary goal in the immediate post-arrest scenario is to maintain perfusion rather than address ventilation needs, which can be managed later by advanced medical personnel once they arrive on the scene. Therefore, the answer highlighting compressions-only emphasizes this vital lifesaving technique.