Interruption to chest compressions should be limited to no more than how many seconds?

Interruption to chest compressions should be limited to no more than how many seconds?

• A. 5 seconds
• B. 10 seconds
• C. 20 seconds
• D. 30 seconds

Answer: (B)

During CPR, keeping the chest compressions continuous maintains blood flow and perfusion to the heart and brain. Any pause allows perfusion pressure to fall, which can lower the chances of return of spontaneous circulation and good neurologic outcome. The guideline standard is to limit any interruption to no more than 10 seconds, including rhythm checks and defibrillator analysis; this balance lets medical teams quickly assess and act while resuming compressions promptly. Pauses of 20 or 30 seconds are too long and would markedly decrease perfusion, while aiming for a very brief pause (around 10 seconds) is the practical, evidence-backed target.

During CPR, keeping the chest compressions continuous maintains blood flow and perfusion to the heart and brain. Any pause allows perfusion pressure to fall, which can lower the chances of return of spontaneous circulation and good neurologic outcome. The guideline standard is to limit any interruption to no more than 10 seconds, including rhythm checks and defibrillator analysis; this balance lets medical teams quickly assess and act while resuming compressions promptly. Pauses of 20 or 30 seconds are too long and would markedly decrease perfusion, while aiming for a very brief pause (around 10 seconds) is the practical, evidence-backed target.