Anson Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Mastering RQI!

When assessing an unresponsive adult, you want to determine quickly whether a pulse is present so you can decide if CPR is needed. A pulse-check should take about 5 to 10 seconds. This window is long enough to feel a pulse even if it’s weak, but short enough to minimize delays if there is no pulse and you need to start chest compressions right away. In practice, place two fingers on the carotid artery and breathe or count for 5 to 10 seconds to feel for a pulse. If a pulse is detected, continue with the appropriate steps; if not, begin CPR immediately. Checking for a pulse for only a couple of seconds increases the risk of missing a pulse, while extending the check to 30 or 60 seconds would waste crucial time.