Which method is effective for evaluating the quality of CPR being provided?

Capnography and feedback devices are key tools for assessing the quality of CPR being provided. Capnography measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, which provides real-time feedback on the effectiveness of chest compressions and the patient’s ventilation status. A rise in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels can indicate that good quality compressions are being performed, as well as its correlation with perfusion and circulation.

Feedback devices, on the other hand, offer guidance on compression depth, rate, and recoil. This real-time information allows CPR providers to adjust their techniques to ensure high-quality compressions, which are crucial for optimizing survival outcomes in cardiac arrest situations. By using these methods, providers can substantially improve the effectiveness of their CPR efforts beyond what visual observation alone can provide, as it lacks the quantitative data necessary to evaluate performance accurately.

In contrast, relying solely on visual observation may miss critical details about compressions, such as depth and rate, while listening for breath sounds doesn't provide any direct measurement of CPR quality. Assessment of the patient's medical history is also unrelated to the immediate evaluation of CPR effectiveness.