Chapter 17- Performing Defibrilation Flashcards
What should you do first if you witness a patient’s cardiac arrest?
Begin CPR starting with chest compressions
When should you attach the AED during a cardiac arrest?
As soon as it is available
What should you do after turning on the AED?
Follow the instructions to analyze and deliver shocks to the patient
Why is it important to minimize the time without chest compressions?
Research has shown the best survival rates for patients with the least interruption in compressions
What should the person performing compressions do at each defibrillation?
Switch places with the person providing ventilations
What is the immediate action after each defibrillation?
Resume CPR with compressions first
Fill in the blank: At each defibrillation, the person performing compressions should _______.
[switch places with the person providing ventilations]
True or False: It is acceptable to take long breaks between chest compressions during CPR.
False
What should you assess to determine the effectiveness of chest compressions during bystander CPR?
Palpating for a carotid or femoral pulse.
What action should you take if you feel a pulse while performing chest compressions?
Leave your fingers in that position and stop compressions.
What is important to limit during CPR?
The amount of time compressions are interrupted.
What should you not do if the patient is responsive?
Apply the AED.
What is the compression to breath ratio for CPR if it has not been started yet?
30 compressions to two breaths.
What is the recommended rate of chest compressions per minute?
100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Why are high-quality compressions important?
They provide the best cardiac output.
What is the first step when using an AED?
Turn on the AED.
Where should the AED pads be applied on the patient’s chest?
One just to the right of the breastbone below the collarbone, the other on the left lower chest area 2 to 3 inches below the armpit.
What should you do if the patient is a woman regarding AED pad placement?
Do not place the pads on top of breast tissue; move the breast out of the way if necessary.
What is the purpose of the Analyze button on the AED?
To determine whether a shockable rhythm is present.
What should you do when the AED instructs you to stop CPR?
Stop CPR.
What should you state aloud before delivering a shock with the AED?
“Clear the patient.”
What should you ensure before pushing the Shock button on the AED?
That no one is touching the patient.
What should you do if a shock is not advised by the AED?
Perform five cycles (about 2 minutes) of CPR.
What is ROSC?
Return of spontaneous circulation; defined as the return of a pulse and effective blood flow to the body in a patient who was previously in cardiac arrest.
How quickly should you assess for a pulse when the AED advises to check the patient?
This should not take longer than 10 seconds.
What should be done immediately after a shock is delivered?
Resume CPR, beginning with chest compressions
Change to a different person for chest compressions each time CPR is paused to prevent rescuer fatigue.
How long should chest compressions be uninterrupted during CPR?
No more than 10 seconds
After five cycles (about 2 minutes) of CPR, reanalyze the patient’s cardiac rhythm.
What is the next step after performing five cycles of CPR?
Reanalyze the patient’s cardiac rhythm
This is referred to as Step 5.
What should be done if the AED advises no shock but the patient has a pulse?
Check the patient’s breathing
If breathing adequately, give oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and transport.
If the patient is not breathing adequately, what should be provided?
Artificial ventilation with a bag-mask device or pocket mask device
This should be attached to 100% oxygen and transport should follow.
What should be ensured when providing artificial ventilation?
Proper airway techniques are used at all times
What is the first action to take if the patient has no pulse?
Perform five cycles of CPR beginning with chest compressions
Each cycle lasts approximately 2 minutes.
What should be done after delivering a shock if the AED advises it?
Immediately resume CPR, beginning with chest compressions
What should be repeated if the patient has no pulse and the AED advises no shock?
Five cycles of CPR followed by reanalyzing the patient’s cardiac rhythm
If no shock is advised, continue CPR.
What is the protocol for transporting the patient?
Transport the patient and contact medical control as needed
