What should be the focus when performing CPR on an adult patient?

When performing CPR on an adult patient, the primary focus should be on delivering high-quality chest compressions. High-quality compressions are crucial because they help maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, during cardiac arrest. Effective compressions should be deep enough (at least 2 inches) and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, allowing for full chest recoil between compressions. This ensures that the heart can refill with blood for more effective circulation.

While other aspects of CPR, such as administering medications, checking for responsiveness, and utilizing airway adjuncts, are important in certain situations, the immediate and most impactful action remains high-quality chest compressions. Prioritizing compressions over other interventions maximizes the chance of survival and recovery by improving the chances that the brain and heart receive adequate blood flow until advanced medical assistance arrives.