While 2 rescuers providing CPR, after providing 2 minutes CPR, rescuers should change their position every?

Appeared in: JIPMER Pondicherry NO - 2022

Explanation

Standard Basic Life Support (BLS) guidelines recommend that when two rescuers are present, they should switch the role of compressor every 2 minutes.
This 2-minute interval is crucial to prevent rescuer fatigue, which can lead to a rapid decline in the quality (depth and rate) of chest compressions.
A 2-minute period of CPR, consisting of a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio, is approximately equivalent to 5 cycles.
Switching roles efficiently (in less than 10 seconds) minimizes interruptions in chest compressions and improves the patient's chances of survival.

Option B: Waiting for 10 cycles (approximately 4 minutes) would cause significant rescuer fatigue, leading to shallow and ineffective chest compressions long before the switch occurs.
Option C: An interval of 15 cycles (approximately 6 minutes) is far too long. The quality of CPR would be severely compromised, making the resuscitation effort largely ineffective.
Option D: Performing 20 cycles (approximately 8 minutes) before switching would result in rescuer exhaustion and extremely poor CPR quality, significantly reducing the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Two-Rescuer CPR Protocol as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In a clinical setting, the team leader is responsible for tracking time and calling for the switch every 2 minutes to ensure adherence to guidelines and maintain high-performance CPR.
Nurses must be able to not only perform high-quality CPR but also effectively communicate and coordinate with team members during a resuscitation event, including the crucial 2-minute switch.
Signs of rescuer fatigue include a noticeable slowing of the compression rate, failure to achieve adequate depth, and leaning on the chest between compressions. Any team member observing this should speak up.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: '2 rescuers CPR', 'change position', and 'every?'. This points to a question about CPR protocol.
Recall the standard guidelines for two-rescuer CPR, specifically regarding rescuer rotation.
Remember the primary time-based rule: rescuers should switch every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue.
The question asks for the answer in 'cycles'. You need to convert the 2-minute time frame into the approximate number of CPR cycles.
A cycle is 30 compressions and 2 breaths. The standard teaching approximation is that 2 minutes of CPR equals about 5 cycles.
Evaluate the options and select the one that matches this established guideline.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 3 p. 46-48

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