Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ACLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

Rhythm and pulse checks during CPR in the context of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) should be performed every 2 minutes. This interval is recommended to ensure a timely assessment of the patient's condition and to determine the effectiveness of the current resuscitative efforts.

During CPR, continuous chest compressions should be maintained to facilitate blood flow, but rhythm and pulse checks are critical to identify whether the heart has regained a normal rhythm and to assess the presence of a pulse. Performing these checks every 2 minutes strikes a balance between allowing sufficient time for effective compressions and minimizing interruptions in chest compressions, as these interruptions can decrease the chances of successful resuscitation.

Checking the rhythm too frequently might lead to unnecessary interruptions that could compromise the effectiveness of CPR, while extending the intervals can prevent timely recognition of potential changes in the patient's condition. Therefore, performing rhythm and pulse checks every 2 minutes aligns with established guidelines to optimize resuscitation outcomes.