The nurse finds a client pulseless and breathless.The client's skin is pale and cool,but not cyanotic.Because of this finding,what should the nurse suspect?
A)Respiratory arrest occurred prior to cardiac arrest.
B)Cardiac arrest occurred prior to respiratory arrest.
C)The client cannot be resuscitated.
D)Arrest was caused by airway obstruction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's pale, cool skin suggests that cardiac arrest occurred prior to respiratory arrest. If respiratory arrest had occurred first, the skin would be cyanotic (blue) due to lack of oxygen. The nurse should immediately initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and call for emergency assistance. The cause of the arrest should be determined and treated if possible.

The Nurse Finds a Client Pulseless and Breathless