Which of the following is a sign of effective chest compressions?

Which of the following is a sign of effective chest compressions?

• A. No movement of the chest
• B. Coughing during compressions
• C. Visible rise and fall of the chest
• D. Decrease in heart rate

Answer: (C)

The visible rise and fall of the chest is a clear sign of effective chest compressions. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the goal of compressions is to artificially circulate blood and maintain oxygenation to vital organs. Effective compressions create sufficient pressure in the thoracic cavity, allowing blood to flow out and facilitating a return flow to the heart. This mechanical action leads to the expansion and contraction of the chest wall, which can be observed as the chest rising and falling. When this movement is noted, it generally indicates that air is being effectively pushed into the lungs, or that the heart is being adequately compressed to circulate blood throughout the body, both of which contribute to the effectiveness of CPR. In contrast, other options would not indicate effective compressions: an absence of chest movement suggests inadequate compressions, while coughing could indicate the patient is regaining some level of consciousness, and a decrease in heart rate is not a desirable outcome during CPR as the goal is to maintain perfusion.

The visible rise and fall of the chest is a clear sign of effective chest compressions. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the goal of compressions is to artificially circulate blood and maintain oxygenation to vital organs. Effective compressions create sufficient pressure in the thoracic cavity, allowing blood to flow out and facilitating a return flow to the heart. This mechanical action leads to the expansion and contraction of the chest wall, which can be observed as the chest rising and falling.

When this movement is noted, it generally indicates that air is being effectively pushed into the lungs, or that the heart is being adequately compressed to circulate blood throughout the body, both of which contribute to the effectiveness of CPR. In contrast, other options would not indicate effective compressions: an absence of chest movement suggests inadequate compressions, while coughing could indicate the patient is regaining some level of consciousness, and a decrease in heart rate is not a desirable outcome during CPR as the goal is to maintain perfusion.