A patient is in cardiac arrest after being submerged in a pond for 15 minutes. You note that his abdomen is greatly distended and it is very difficult to ventilate him. Which one of the following should you do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distended abdomen may suggest gastric distension from the air that was introduced during rescue breathing. This can interfere with ventilation and lead to gastric aspiration. The correct action would be to place the patient on his side and firmly press on the abdomen to relieve the pressure and release the air. This is known as the "burp" maneuver and can be repeated as needed. Choices A, B, and D are not appropriate actions in this scenario. forcibly ventilating at a higher rate can increase the risk of gastric aspiration, chest compressions will not evacuate water from the body and the Heimlich maneuver is not indicated in a patient who is unresponsive and in cardiac arrest.

A Patient Is in Cardiac Arrest After Being Submerged in a Pond