Certified Cardiovascular Technician Practice Exam

What can be a consequence of poor quality CPR?

1. Increased heart rate

2. Decreased chance of survival

3. Higher blood pressure

4. Enhanced patient responsiveness

The correct answer is: Decreased chance of survival

Poor quality CPR can significantly impact a patient's chances of survival following a cardiac arrest. When CPR is not performed correctly—whether due to inadequate compression depth, insufficient compression rate, or interruptions in chest compressions—the amount of blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, is reduced. This inadequate perfusion can lead to a higher risk of severe neurological damage and diminished chances of successful resuscitation. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the consequences of poor quality CPR. For instance, an increased heart rate and higher blood pressure might occur in some scenarios during stress or shock, but they are not direct results of CPR quality. Enhanced patient responsiveness would imply a positive outcome from CPR efforts, which is contradictory to the implications of performing CPR poorly. Therefore, the decreased chance of survival is the most accurate consequence associated with ineffective CPR practices.