15 seconds before pausing compressions at the end of each 2-minute cycle, high-performance teams should:

15 seconds before pausing compressions at the end of each 2-minute cycle, high-performance teams should:

• A. Check For A Pulse
• B. Precharge The Defibrillator
• C. Check For A Pulse, Precharge The Defibrillator, And Be Prepared To Deliver A Shock In 10 Seconds Or Less
• D. Pause CPR And Reassess The Patient

Answer: (C)

During CPR, the goal is to minimize hands-off time while ensuring rapid therapy if a shock is indicated. In the moments before the end of each 2-minute cycle, the team should perform a quick pulse and rhythm check, precharge the defibrillator, and be ready to deliver a shock within about 10 seconds of resuming compressions. This sequence lets you determine if there is any return of circulation and, if a shock is needed, deliver it almost immediately after the pause ends, keeping interruption to a bare minimum. The other options miss one or more of these critical steps—either skipping the preparation step, the readiness to shock, or the integrated assessment—so they don’t optimize the window for definitive therapy.

During CPR, the goal is to minimize hands-off time while ensuring rapid therapy if a shock is indicated. In the moments before the end of each 2-minute cycle, the team should perform a quick pulse and rhythm check, precharge the defibrillator, and be ready to deliver a shock within about 10 seconds of resuming compressions. This sequence lets you determine if there is any return of circulation and, if a shock is needed, deliver it almost immediately after the pause ends, keeping interruption to a bare minimum. The other options miss one or more of these critical steps—either skipping the preparation step, the readiness to shock, or the integrated assessment—so they don’t optimize the window for definitive therapy.