When should CPR NOT be initiated?

When determining when CPR should not be initiated, it is crucial to assess the patient's condition comprehensively. In situations where the primary assessment reveals that a patient is pulseless and exhibits signs of prolonged lifelessness, CPR is not indicated. Prolonged lifelessness may include obvious signs such as rigor mortis, lividity, or decomposition, which clearly indicate that the patient has been deceased for a significant period. In such cases, attempting CPR would not be appropriate as it would likely be futile and unnecessary.

On the other hand, if a patient is apneic and pulseless but shows no signs of prolonged lifelessness, initiation of CPR would be warranted since there is a potential for resuscitation. Similarly, uncertainty about the patient’s history does not negate the need to begin CPR if the immediate assessment indicates life-threatening conditions. Having an AED ready for use supports the need for prompt intervention but does not directly guide the decision to perform CPR in a pulseless state with signs of prolonged lifelessness. Thus, understanding these factors clearly informs when to appropriately withhold resuscitative efforts.