Final answer:
Once an advanced airway is placed during CPR, breaths and compressions are not sequenced; continuous chest compressions at a specific depth and rate maintain blood circulation, with a focus on high-quality compressions to support vital organ function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Once an advanced airway has been inserted, in the case of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), breaths and compressions are no longer sequenced. Instead, continuous chest compressions are delivered at a rate of 100 compressions per minute without pauses for ventilation. This is because, with the advanced airway in place, ventilations can be given without having to stop compressions. This change in protocol is aimed at maximizing blood circulation and providing the best possible outcomes for the patient.
Compression of the chest should be at least 5 cm deep to ensure that adequate pressure is applied to the heart, allowing for enough blood to be pushed into the pulmonary and systemic circuits. This aspect of CPR is critically important for the brain, as neurons can suffer irreversible damage and death within minutes of losing blood flow. The current emphasis in CPR is on performing these high-quality chest compressions effectively to maintain circulation to vital organs.