When should CPR be initiated?

CPR should be initiated when a patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally because this situation indicates that the patient is in cardiac arrest or is experiencing a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention. In such cases, the heart has likely stopped pumping effectively, which impedes oxygenation of vital organs, including the brain.

Immediate CPR can help maintain blood flow to vital organs, improving the chances of survival and reducing the risk of permanent damage until professional medical help arrives. It's crucial to assess the patient; if they are unresponsive and not exhibiting normal respiratory function, starting CPR is essential.

Examining the other scenarios: if a patient has a pulse but is unresponsive, they may still require monitoring and possibly positioning but not CPR. If the patient is awake and complaining, they are conscious and breathing, thus not needing CPR. Finally, if a patient is conscious but disoriented, they are still breathing and have a pulse, indicating the need for assessment rather than immediate CPR. This context underscores the importance of recognizing the specific indications for initiating CPR.