Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What action is recommended to minimize interruptions in chest compressions during CPR?

1. Stop CPR while charging the defibrillator

2. Continue CPR while charging the defibrillator

3. Change rescuers every 2 minutes

4. Initiate ventilations during compression pauses

The correct answer is: Continue CPR while charging the defibrillator

Continuing CPR while charging the defibrillator is essential for maintaining coronary and cerebral perfusion during a cardiac arrest. The rationale behind this approach is based on the understanding that interruptions in chest compressions can lead to a decrease in the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). While the defibrillator is charging, the heart is not in a perfusable rhythm, which means that delaying compressions can result in wasted time and diminished chances of successful defibrillation when the device is ready. By keeping the chest compressions ongoing while the defibrillator charges, you ensure that the blood flow to vital organs continues, maximizing the effectiveness of the subsequent shock. The recommendation is to limit any interruption to compressions to less than 10 seconds. Therefore, maintaining compressions during the charging process prepares the patient better for defibrillation and contributes to improved outcomes. It's also important to integrate team dynamics effectively, like rotating rescuers to prevent fatigue. However, the priority during the charging phase typically remains with continuing compressions to keep blood circulating.