A nurse is teaching a group of healthcare providers about recognizing cardiac arrest. Which clinical finding is the most reliable indicator of cardiac arrest?
"Absence of a pulse"
"Irregular breathing pattern"
"Cyanosis of the lips and fingertips"
"Sudden loss of consciousness"
The Correct Answer is A
A) Correct. The absence of a pulse is the most reliable indicator of cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer pumping effectively, leading to the absence of a palpable pulse.
B) Incorrect. An irregular breathing pattern may be observed in various medical conditions, including respiratory distress, but it is not as definitive as the absence of a pulse in indicating cardiac arrest.
C) Incorrect. Cyanosis of the lips and fingertips can occur in various situations, such as respiratory failure or decreased oxygenation, but it is not specific to cardiac arrest.
D) Incorrect. Sudden loss of consciousness can occur due to various reasons, including seizures or fainting, and is not solely indicative of cardiac arrest.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct. CPR is a life-saving technique used to restore circulation and maintain oxygenation in individuals who have experienced cardiac arrest or have stopped breathing. It involves chest compressions to manually pump blood and provide oxygen to vital organs.
B) Incorrect. CPR is not intended to stop all heart rhythms; rather, it aims to keep blood flowing to vital organs until more advanced medical assistance can be provided.
C) Incorrect. CPR is a critical intervention for severe emergencies like cardiac arrest and is not limited to treating minor heart conditions.
D) Incorrect. While CPR is crucial in the immediate response to cardiac arrest, it is not a substitute for professional medical care. Timely activation of emergency medical services is essential to ensure the best possible outcome.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Defibrillation is used to stop abnormal heart rhythms, but it is not intended to restore a pulse directly. Effective CPR and defibrillation work together to improve the chances of restoring circulation.
B) Incorrect. While defibrillation can stop certain abnormal heart rhythms, it does not address all cardiac arrest situations.
C) Incorrect. Defibrillation is not used to relieve pain or discomfort. Its primary purpose is to restore a normal heart rhythm.
D) Correct. Early defibrillation is crucial because it helps to reset the heart's electrical activity, allowing the heart to resume an effective rhythm. The sooner defibrillation is performed, the better the chances of restoring a normal heart rhythm and improving the chances of survival.
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