After starting chest compressions, how long should you wait before rechecking the infant's heart rate?

After starting chest compressions, how long should you wait before rechecking the infant's heart rate?

• A. 30 seconds
• B. 60 seconds
• C. 2 minutes
• D. 5 minutes

Answer: (B)

When performing CPR on an infant, you recheck the heart rate on a regular, short cycle to balance continuing high-quality chest compressions with timely assessment of the situation. Rechecking about once per minute lets you detect return of spontaneous circulation quickly, so you can stop unnecessary efforts if ROSC appears or adjust treatment without keeping compressions paused too long. Checking too soon interrupts compressions more than needed, while waiting much longer risks missing a pulse if it returns or letting poor perfusion continue longer than necessary. If a pulse is detected, you shift to the next appropriate care steps; if no pulse remains, you continue CPR and follow the advanced protocols.

When performing CPR on an infant, you recheck the heart rate on a regular, short cycle to balance continuing high-quality chest compressions with timely assessment of the situation. Rechecking about once per minute lets you detect return of spontaneous circulation quickly, so you can stop unnecessary efforts if ROSC appears or adjust treatment without keeping compressions paused too long. Checking too soon interrupts compressions more than needed, while waiting much longer risks missing a pulse if it returns or letting poor perfusion continue longer than necessary. If a pulse is detected, you shift to the next appropriate care steps; if no pulse remains, you continue CPR and follow the advanced protocols.