Performing CPR
7. When performing CPR, what is the ratio of compressions:breaths?
a. 15:2
b. 30:2
c. 40:2
d. 100:2
8. Refer to the pulseless American Heart Association’s Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm (2015).
d. What is the first step to take when a patient is in pulseless VT, VF, PEA, or asystole?
e. What cardiac rhythms indicate that a shock from the defibrillator is advised?
f. Refer to the dosages of epinephrine and amiodarone in the “Drug Therapy” section and fill out the following table:
Drug Dosage Frequency Route What does this drug do?
Epinephrine
Amiodarone
g. Compressions should aim to be completed at what depth?
h. How fast should the rate of compressions be when performing CPR?
9. What is “ROSC”? If ROSC is achieved, what assessments should the nurse perform?
10. If the patient is responsive after ROSC, what medical interventions may be performed on this patient?
11. If the patient remains unresponsive after ROSC, what medical intervention(s) may be performed to preserve brain function? (HINT: search “targeted temperature management”)
a. Explain how this therapy works to preserve brain function.
Sample Solution
Performing CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that is useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone`s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. After every 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 a minute, give 2 breaths. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives. The American Heart Association recommends starting CPR with hard and fast chest compressions. This hands-only CPR recommendation applies to both untrained bystanders and first responders. The most critical interventions during the first minutes of VF or pulses VT are immediate bystander CPR with minimal interruption in chest compressions and defibrillation as soon as it can be accomplished.