Final answer:
A pulse check during CPR should occur every 2 minutes or after five cycles of CPR. It must be done swiftly, within 10 seconds, to assess if the person has regained spontaneous circulation, while ensuring minimal interruption to chest compressions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When to Check Pulse After Administering CPR
When performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on an adult, it is essential to check the patient's pulse periodically. Current guidelines suggest that after the initiation of CPR, a pulse check should generally happen every 2 minutes or after five cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths. However, it's important to minimize interruptions in chest compressions. The pulse should ideally be checked quickly—within 10 seconds—to determine if the patient has regained spontaneous circulation. CPR is to be sustained until the person regains a pulse or until a healthcare professional can take over and possibly declare the person deceased. When applying pressure to the sternum during compressions, the blood is manually pushed through the heart into the systemic and pulmonary circuits, which is vital for the preservation of brain function.