What is a key indicator of effective CPR?

Restoration of a normal heart rhythm is a key indicator of effective CPR because the ultimate goal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is to maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs during cardiac arrest, which is necessary for potentially re-establishing normal heart function. When high-quality CPR is administered, it can restore adequate blood flow to the heart and brain, potentially allowing the heart to regain its normal electrical activity and rhythm. This restoration is crucial, as it indicates that the underlying problem may be resolving and that the patient has a chance of survival.

Improvement in patient color, while an important sign to observe, is not as direct an indicator of effective CPR as a normal heart rhythm. Changes in patient coloration can occur due to various factors, including external conditions or the administration of oxygen. Waking up immediately after CPR may suggest effectiveness but is not a reliable or immediate measure of whether CPR was successful, as recovery can vary widely. High blood pressure can be a sign of good circulatory status, yet during CPR, achieving specific blood pressure values is not the primary focus when assessing CPR effectiveness. Restoration of the heart rhythm remains the most direct indicator of effective resuscitation efforts.