What is the purpose of checking for signs of circulation during CPR?

Checking for signs of circulation during CPR is essential primarily to assess whether a pulse is present. This assessment helps determine the effectiveness of the patient's cardiac function. If a pulse is detected, it indicates that blood is being pumped through the body and that there is some level of circulation. Conversely, failure to find a pulse suggests that the heart is not functioning adequately, which is a critical indicator for the necessity to continue CPR and potentially utilize defibrillation or other advanced interventions.

While signs of breathing or the level of consciousness are important components of overall patient assessment, they relate to different aspects of patient condition and management. Breathing is assessed to evaluate respiratory function, and consciousness is evaluated to determine neurological status. Measuring blood sugar levels is also unrelated to circulation and focuses specifically on metabolic status. Thus, determining the presence of a pulse is the primary reason for checking circulation during CPR, guiding emergency care providers in their next steps.