Which of the following is a common complication of CPR?

Rib fractures are indeed a common complication that can occur as a result of CPR. When high-quality chest compressions are performed, significant force is typically applied to the chest in order to create enough pressure to circulate blood. This can lead to the breaking of ribs, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing bone conditions.

Recognizing rib fractures as a potential complication highlights the necessity of balancing the effectiveness of CPR with the potential for injury. Understanding this can prepare healthcare providers to anticipate such injuries and manage them appropriately should they arise, all while ensuring that restoring circulation remains the primary goal during resuscitation efforts.

In contrast to this, the other options, while serious conditions, are not directly attributed to CPR as common complications. For instance, cardiac arrest is the condition CPR aims to reverse, respiratory distress can occur for various reasons unrelated to CPR, and stroke can occur due to numerous medical factors that are not directly linked to the act of attempting resuscitation. By focusing on rib fractures, one recognizes a direct consequence of the physical process involved in performing CPR effectively.