DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What are the recommended guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

1. A, B, C, D

2. Breathing, airway, and circulation

3. Breathing, circulation, and defibrillation

4. Compressions, airway, and breathing

The correct answer is: Compressions, airway, and breathing

The recommended guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) emphasize the critical sequence of actions necessary to restore effective circulation and breathing in a person experiencing cardiac arrest. The correct answer outlines the sequence as compressions, airway, and breathing. Compressions are the first and foremost aspect of CPR because they help maintain blood flow to vital organs when the heart has stopped beating. High-quality chest compressions pump oxygenated blood to the brain and other organs, which can significantly increase the chances of survival if performed promptly. Following compressions, ensuring an open airway is essential to enable effective rescue breathing. This step allows for oxygen to reach the lungs and bloodstream, which is crucial since the patient is not breathing or may be breathing inadequately. Lastly, administering breaths reintroduces oxygen into the system, assisting in reviving the patient after circulation has been established through compressions. This sequence prioritizes restoring circulation first, hence the order of actions: compressions before airway and breathing. The other options do not accurately reflect the established guidelines. For instance, focusing solely on breathing first can delay critical compressions, which are vital in life-threatening emergencies. Similarly, mentioning defibrillation without the context of ongoing CPR misses the importance of first establishing circulation