What are the three components of CPR?

• A. Breathing, circulation, airway
• B. Airway, circulation, breathing
• C. Circulation, airway, breathing
• D. Airway, breathing, circulation

Answer: (D)

CPR centers on three essential elements: keeping the airway clear, providing breaths to move air into the lungs, and circulating blood to vital organs. The order airway, breathing, circulation reflects a logical sequence: first make sure air can get into the lungs, then deliver breaths to oxygenate, and finally support or restore circulation so that oxygen reaches the brain and heart. Without an open airway, breaths won’t be effective; without breaths, oxygen can’t enter the lungs; without circulation, the oxygen in the blood won’t reach tissues. The other order options miss one element or place steps in a sequence that doesn’t align with delivering oxygenated air and blood where it’s needed.