Certified Cardiovascular Technician Practice Exam

What is the most effective way to assess the quality of CPR being provided?

1. Monitor the heart rate

2. Look at the patient's chest for rise and fall

3. Check the patient's blood pressure

4. Assess the patient's responsiveness

The correct answer is: Look at the patient's chest for rise and fall

The most effective way to assess the quality of CPR being provided is to look at the patient's chest for rise and fall. Observing the chest for proper rise and fall indicates that effective compressions are being delivered, allowing for adequate ventilation and ensuring that oxygen is able to enter the lungs. This direct visual assessment provides immediate feedback on the effectiveness of both compressions and rescue breaths, which are critical components of successful CPR. Monitoring the heart rate can provide some information about circulation, but it may not offer a timely assessment of the CPR quality during the process itself. Checking the patient's blood pressure is generally more relevant when assessing circulation after CPR has been performed rather than during the procedure. Assessing the patient's responsiveness is important for determining the patient's overall condition but does not give a direct indication of the effectiveness of the CPR being administered at that moment. Therefore, observing the chest for rise and fall is the most immediate and practical method for ensuring that the CPR is being performed effectively.