Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

During resuscitation, when should you reassess the patient's underlying rhythm?

1. Every 5 minutes

2. After every 2 rounds of CPR

3. After defibrillation

4. Every 2 minutes

The correct answer is: Every 2 minutes

Reassessing the patient's underlying rhythm every 2 minutes is the correct approach during resuscitation. This timeframe aligns with the recommended intervals in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) guidelines, which emphasize the importance of regular rhythm checks to monitor the effectiveness of the resuscitation efforts. After every 2 minutes of CPR, healthcare providers check the rhythm to determine if there have been any changes that may require a different intervention, such as administering a shock if a shockable rhythm is present. This practice allows the team to promptly adapt their strategy based on the rhythm observed, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient during critical moments. While options like reassessing every 5 minutes or after every 2 rounds of CPR may not provide timely enough information to adjust resuscitation strategies effectively, and while checking the rhythm after defibrillation is indeed important, it's essential to maintain a regular check during CPR to ensure no changes are missed.