Which statement reflects a common misconception about CPR outcomes?

• A. A common misconception is that ROSC usually occurs within minutes and the patient fully recovers after CPR
• B. Most CPR patients survive to hospital discharge
• C. CPR typically restores full neurological function
• D. There are no ethical considerations in resuscitation

Answer: (A)

Understanding CPR outcomes means recognizing that returning circulation and meaningful recovery are not guaranteed or rapid. It’s common to overestimate how quickly ROSC occurs and how completely a patient will recover after CPR. In reality, ROSC can take varying amounts of time, and even when it happens, many patients do not regain full neurological function or independence. Survival to hospital discharge happens, but not for everyone, and the neurological outcome often includes some impairment depending on downtime, initial health, and post-arrest care. So the statement that ROSC usually happens within minutes and that the patient fully recovers reflects a widespread misconception about what CPR can achieve.