Which statement best describes the purpose of CPR?

• A. Providing chest compressions and ventilations to maintain circulation
• B. Checking the airway and clearing obstructions
• C. Defibrillating the heart
• D. Administering medications

Answer: (A)

CPR aims to keep someone alive by sustaining circulation and oxygen delivery when the heart isn’t effectively pumping. Chest compressions push blood through the body, creating artificial circulation, while ventilations bring oxygen into the lungs so it can be carried by the blood to vital organs like the brain. This combination buys time for definitive treatment and helps prevent brain injury while help is on the way.

Checking the airway and clearing obstructions is important in emergencies, but it doesn’t describe the ongoing effort to keep blood flowing. Defibrillation is a separate, crucial step used to restart a heart rhythm when appropriate, and medications are given later by responders with advanced training; CPR itself is about maintaining circulation and oxygenation until those treatments can be applied.