The nurse responds to a call for help from another staff member. Upon entering the client's room, the nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) performing chest compressions on an unconscious adult client while another nurse is calling for the emergency response team. What action by the arriving nurse is the priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_c96a_25a7_b433_9f166dfa9477_MD0009_00 For the client in cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be started immediately. Effective chest compressions are essential for maintaining perfusion to vital organs. Early defibrillation is key in resolving life-threatening ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia and should not be delayed. The arriving nurse should obtain the defibrillator and apply the pads to the client's chest (Option C). (Option A) Interruptions in compressions should be kept to a minimum. Pulse checks are performed every 2 minutes per basic life support (BLS) guidelines or if a rhythm change is noted. (Option B) Additional large-bore IVs may be needed for emergency medication administration (eg, epinephrine, amiodarone) but can be completed when more help arrives to the client's room. (Option D) Bag valve mask breaths with 100% oxygen should be initiated after obtaining the defibrillator. Educational objective: For the client in cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be started immediately. Early defibrillation is key in resolving life-threatening ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia and should not be delayed. The arriving nurse should obtain the defibrillator and apply the pads to the client's chest.

The Nurse Responds to a Call for Help from Another