How often should you check the patient’s pulse during CPR?

Checking the patient's pulse during CPR is essential for assessing the effectiveness of the resuscitation efforts. The correct interval for assessing the pulse is typically every 2 minutes. This timing aligns with the recommendations for CPR, which include performing cycles of chest compressions for 2 minutes before reassessing the patient's condition. After 2 minutes of high-quality compressions, the healthcare provider should evaluate the pulse to determine if there are signs of a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

This approach allows for a sufficient duration of uninterrupted CPR, which is critical to maximizing blood flow to vital organs. Frequent checks beyond this interval can disrupt the CPR process and reduce the overall effectiveness, as high-quality chest compressions are vital during cardiac arrest.