During CPR, when should a finger sweep be performed?

During CPR, when should a finger sweep be performed?

• A. Before starting chest compressions
• B. During rescue breaths only
• C. After providing chest compressions and verifying the mouth is clear
• D. Summoning more advanced medical personnel

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that you clear an airway obstruction only when you can clearly see the object and remove it safely, and you do it at the point in CPR when the mouth has been checked and the chest compressions are underway. Perform a finger sweep after you’ve started chest compressions and confirmed the mouth is clear; if you can see an obstruction, remove it with a quick, gentle sweep. Avoid sweeping before compressions, during ongoing compressions, or blindly during breaths, because blind sweeping can push the object deeper or interrupt CPR. If no object is visible or removing it isn’t safe, resume CPR and reassess later.

The key idea is that you clear an airway obstruction only when you can clearly see the object and remove it safely, and you do it at the point in CPR when the mouth has been checked and the chest compressions are underway. Perform a finger sweep after you’ve started chest compressions and confirmed the mouth is clear; if you can see an obstruction, remove it with a quick, gentle sweep. Avoid sweeping before compressions, during ongoing compressions, or blindly during breaths, because blind sweeping can push the object deeper or interrupt CPR. If no object is visible or removing it isn’t safe, resume CPR and reassess later.