Limit interruptions for defibrillator analysis and rhythm checks to what maximum duration?

Limit interruptions for defibrillator analysis and rhythm checks to what maximum duration?

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

Answer: (A)

Limit interruptions for defibrillator analysis and rhythm checks to ten seconds. Keeping pauses brief preserves coronary and cerebral perfusion during CPR, so shorter interruptions mean a better chance of return of spontaneous circulation. When the rhythm is being analyzed or a shock prepared, pause only as long as needed—aiming to stay under 10 seconds and resume high-quality chest compressions as quickly as possible. If you can, practice making those pauses even shorter, but ten seconds is the practical maximum to balance accurate analysis with maintaining blood flow. Longer pauses greatly reduce perfusion and are linked to worse outcomes.

Limit interruptions for defibrillator analysis and rhythm checks to ten seconds. Keeping pauses brief preserves coronary and cerebral perfusion during CPR, so shorter interruptions mean a better chance of return of spontaneous circulation. When the rhythm is being analyzed or a shock prepared, pause only as long as needed—aiming to stay under 10 seconds and resume high-quality chest compressions as quickly as possible. If you can, practice making those pauses even shorter, but ten seconds is the practical maximum to balance accurate analysis with maintaining blood flow. Longer pauses greatly reduce perfusion and are linked to worse outcomes.