What should you do after each chest compression?

• A. Pause to check pulse
• B. Move hands to a different spot
• C. Allow full recoil after each compression
• D. Take a short rest

Answer: (C)

After each chest compression, you must allow the chest to recoil fully before starting the next compression. This full recoil lets the chest expand back to its normal position, which allows the heart to fill with blood again and improves venous return. When recoil is incomplete, the volume of blood pumped with each compression drops and blood flow to the heart and brain is reduced, making CPR less effective. Maintaining full recoil also helps keep the pressures inside the chest at levels that support circulation.

Context to keep in mind: perform compressions at a steady rate (about 100–120 per minute) and a depth around 2 inches (5 cm) in adults, and minimize interruptions. Don’t pause to check the pulse during CPR, and avoid moving the hands to a new spot during a compression cycle unless you’re repositioning correctly between cycles. Taking long breaks goes against delivering continuous support to the organs that need it most.