Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

Should you continue compressions during the charge cycle? Why or why not?

1. To minimize peri-shock pause

2. Yes, to allow time for rhythm checks

3. No, to conserve energy

4. Yes, to minimize interruptions in CPR

The correct answer is: To minimize peri-shock pause

It is important to continue compressions during the charge cycle because it helps to minimize interruptions in CPR, which can lead to a decrease in blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and other vital organs. This is especially important during a cardiac arrest, when every second counts in delivering life-saving compressions. Option B, to allow time for rhythm checks, is incorrect because compressions are the most important aspect of CPR and should not be paused for rhythm checks. Option C, to conserve energy, is incorrect because energy conservation should not be prioritized over delivering effective compressions. Option D, to minimize interruptions in CPR, is partially correct but not the best answer because it does not specify that the continuation of compressions is specifically during the charge cycle. Therefore, option A is the best answer as it provides a specific reason for continuing compressions during the charge cycle, namely to minimize the peri-shock pause.