What is the primary goal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

The primary goal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is to restore breathing and circulation. CPR is a critical intervention performed in emergency situations, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest. When a person's heart stops beating and they are not breathing, vital organs, including the brain, can suffer irreversible damage within minutes due to lack of oxygen.

By performing CPR, which consists of chest compressions and, when appropriate, rescue breaths, the rescuer helps to circulate blood containing oxygen to the body's organs. This preserves brain function and increases the chances of successful defibrillation if an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, ultimately leading to the restoration of normal heart function.

Other options, while important aspects of overall medical care, do not capture the primary intention of CPR. Diagnosing cardiac conditions is a process that occurs after the immediate emergency has been addressed, and minimizing patient discomfort or preventing all forms of heart disease falls outside the immediate life-saving purpose of CPR itself. The focus during CPR is entirely on reestablishing effective cardiopulmonary function as quickly as possible.