What does cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) involve?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical emergency procedure performed when someone's heart stops beating or when they stop breathing. It aims to maintain blood flow and provide oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until professional medical help arrives.

The correct answer encapsulates the two primary components of CPR: artificial respiration and manual cardiac compression. Manual cardiac compression refers to chest compressions, which help to pump blood to the heart and brain, sustaining life until normal heart function can be restored. Artificial respiration, on the other hand, involves providing breaths to the patient, ensuring that oxygen reaches the lungs, especially when the person is unable to breathe independently.

Together, these two elements of CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival and recovery for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory distress. The other options do not correctly represent the components of CPR. For instance, performing only chest compressions ignores the necessity of providing oxygen, and invasive surgical procedures or medication administration are not part of the standard CPR training provided to lay rescuers.