What should you do if you're performing CPR on a victim and you need to give rescue breaths?

When performing CPR, the focus is on maintaining blood circulation through chest compressions while ensuring that the victim receives adequate oxygen. The correct approach during CPR is to give rescue breaths only after a cycle of compressions has been completed. By stopping compressions briefly to provide breaths, you allow for the heart to be replenished with oxygenated blood before the next compression cycle begins. This method maximizes the effectiveness of the rescue breaths, as they are given when the chest is not being actively compressed, ensuring that the air enters the lungs efficiently.

The rationale behind only providing breaths if needed while continuing compressions is grounded in the principle of sustaining blood flow, as compressions are critical for maintaining circulation to vital organs. Rescue breaths should be utilized according to the specific guidelines—typically giving two breaths after every 30 compressions in adult CPR. This systematic approach is crucial for balancing the need for oxygenation with the necessity of ongoing circulatory support.

Other options, such as pausing compressions and providing breaths simultaneously or alternating them too frequently, could disrupt the flow of blood due to insufficient compression duration. Such methods would compromise the overall effectiveness of CPR and potentially lead to less favorable outcomes for the victim. It’s essential to follow the well-established rhythm and guidelines of