What is the maximum recommended pause duration for rhythm checks or defibrillation during CPR?

What is the maximum recommended pause duration for rhythm checks or defibrillation during CPR?

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

Answer: (B)

Maintaining blood flow during CPR means keeping interruptions to a minimum. When you need to check the rhythm or deliver a shock, the pause should be brief—no longer than 10 seconds. Short pauses help preserve coronary and cerebral perfusion, which improves the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation. Pauses longer than 10 seconds significantly reduce blood flow between compressions, compromising outcomes. So the best choice is a pause duration of less than 10 seconds; longer pauses like 20 or 30 seconds would be too disruptive. A 5-second pause can occur, but the guideline sets the maximum under 10 seconds.

Maintaining blood flow during CPR means keeping interruptions to a minimum. When you need to check the rhythm or deliver a shock, the pause should be brief—no longer than 10 seconds. Short pauses help preserve coronary and cerebral perfusion, which improves the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation. Pauses longer than 10 seconds significantly reduce blood flow between compressions, compromising outcomes. So the best choice is a pause duration of less than 10 seconds; longer pauses like 20 or 30 seconds would be too disruptive. A 5-second pause can occur, but the guideline sets the maximum under 10 seconds.