Cardiac Arrest Flashcard 2
Rationale
A. Rationale: Within 4 minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest, there is still precious oxygen in the patient’s arterial blood, which is enough to nourish cells and preserves the function of vital organs such as the heart and brain. Providing chest compressions helps to circulate that blood and improves the chance of a return to spontaneous circulation.
Question
Within 4 minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest, which of the following interventions is the most important?
a. Chest compressions
b. Mouth-to-mouth breathing
c. Medications such as epinephrine
d. Waiting for paramedics to arrive
Answer
a. Chest compressions
Rationale
D. Rationale: It is recommended to immediately perform high-quality CPR even if a successful shock has been delivered because it takes some time for the heart to produce a perfusing rhythm. CPR ensures that there is continuous perfusion to the heart and brain.
Question
You deliver a shock to a cardiac arrest patient. Which one of the following is the rescuer’s next action?
a. Monitor the patient until EMS arrives.
b. Check for a pulse.
c. Check the rhythm.
d. Perform high-quality CPR.
Answer
d. Perform high-quality CPR.