During non-shockable rhythms, how often should rhythm checks be performed during CPR?

During non-shockable rhythms, how often should rhythm checks be performed during CPR?

• A. Every 30 seconds
• B. After every 2 minutes of CPR
• C. Every 5 minutes
• D. Only when ROSC occurs

Answer: (B)

Rhythm checks are performed after every 2 minutes of CPR. This 2-minute cycle aligns with the ACLS practice of continuing high-quality chest compressions in a consistent interval while periodically reassessing the rhythm for any change to a shockable rhythm or for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Since non-shockable rhythms (like asystole or PEA) don’t require defibrillation, the focus is on maintaining perfusion with chest compressions and checking rhythm at the end of each 2-minute cycle. If ROSC occurs, you stop CPR and manage accordingly; if the rhythm remains non-shockable, you start another 2-minute CPR cycle and check again at the end. Checking more often would interrupt compressions too frequently, and checking less often could miss a transition to a shockable rhythm or ROSC.

Rhythm checks are performed after every 2 minutes of CPR. This 2-minute cycle aligns with the ACLS practice of continuing high-quality chest compressions in a consistent interval while periodically reassessing the rhythm for any change to a shockable rhythm or for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Since non-shockable rhythms (like asystole or PEA) don’t require defibrillation, the focus is on maintaining perfusion with chest compressions and checking rhythm at the end of each 2-minute cycle. If ROSC occurs, you stop CPR and manage accordingly; if the rhythm remains non-shockable, you start another 2-minute CPR cycle and check again at the end. Checking more often would interrupt compressions too frequently, and checking less often could miss a transition to a shockable rhythm or ROSC.