American Lifeguard Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of not performing CPR quickly on a victim without a pulse?

1. The victim will regain consciousness on their own.

2. Vital organs may suffer from lack of oxygen.

3. Emergency personnel may arrive before it is needed.

4. The victim may remain unresponsive indefinitely.

The correct answer is: Vital organs may suffer from lack of oxygen.

When CPR is not performed quickly on a victim without a pulse, one of the most pressing concerns is that vital organs, particularly the brain, may suffer irreparable damage due to a lack of oxygen. The heart's inability to pump blood means that oxygenated blood is not reaching the organs, which can lead to cellular death and dysfunction. Each minute that passes without CPR increases the risk of permanent damage and can significantly decrease the victim's chances of survival. This is why the immediate administration of CPR is critical—it helps to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to the organs, potentially preserving their function until emergency medical services take over. The other options provided do not accurately reflect the real consequences of delayed CPR. Regaining consciousness on their own, for instance, is highly unlikely without immediate intervention. The possibility of emergency personnel arriving before they are needed is irrelevant to the immediate health of the victim, and the idea that a victim may remain indefinitely unresponsive does not capture the urgency of performing CPR in time-sensitive situations.