What are the indications for initiating continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

Continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is specifically indicated for patients in cardiac arrest, as this situation requires immediate intervention to restore circulation and oxygenation. In cardiac arrest, the heart is unable to effectively pump blood, leading to a critical need for CPR to maintain blood flow to vital organs until advanced medical help arrives or an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be applied.

Additionally, while CPR is not routinely initiated for all cases of symptomatic bradycardia, there are scenarios where this condition can lead to cardiac arrest, especially if the patient shows signs of compromise due to low heart rates. Therefore, continuous CPR may be appropriate if the bradycardia is severe and the patient is symptomatic with signs of inadequate perfusion.

Thus, the correct answer encompasses both the condition of cardiac arrest and potentially life-threatening symptomatic bradycardia, reflecting a broader understanding of when continuous CPR should be initiated. These considerations highlight the importance of assessing the patient’s overall condition and the urgency of restoring effective circulation.