How should a healthcare professional confirm effective CPR?

Confirming effective CPR involves assessing signs of circulation, which are critical to understanding whether the chest compressions and rescue breaths are having a positive impact on the patient’s hemodynamics. Observing signs of circulation typically includes checking for the presence of a pulse and monitoring blood pressure.

In a clinical context, the primary goal of CPR is to restore effective blood circulation, which is assessed through these parameters. If pulse or blood pressure is detected, it indicates that blood flow is being restored, meaning that the CPR is effective.

While checking heart sounds, lung sounds, or blood sugar levels can be part of a broader assessment for different medical conditions, they do not directly confirm the effectiveness of CPR. Heart sounds might indicate cardiac function, but they are not a reliable measure during the chaos of a resuscitation situation. Lung sounds may help judge ventilation but do not provide accurate information regarding circulation. Blood sugar levels could be relevant in diabetic patients, but they have no bearing on the immediate effectiveness of CPR.