Physiological Adaptation Q 112

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A nurse enters a client’s room to discover that the client has no pulse or respirations. After calling for help, the first action the nurse should take is:

  

     A. Start a peripheral IV

     B. Initiate high-quality chest compressions

     C. Establish an airway

     D. Obtain the crash cart

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Initiate high-quality chest compressions

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As per new guidelines, the American Heart Association recommends beginning CPR with chest compression (rather than checking for the airway first). Start CPR with 30 chest compressions before checking the airway and giving rescue breaths. Starting with chest compressions first applies to adults, children, and infants needing CPR, but not newborns. CPR can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.

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Option A: Starting a peripheral IV can come after the C-A-B sequence.

Option C: Establishing an airway comes after compressions.

Option D: After performing the guidelines by the AHA, the crash cart can be obtained by another nurse responding to the scene.

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