Final answer:
Chapter 8: Infant CPR covers the emergency lifesaving techniques for infants when the heart stops, focusing on appropriate chest compressions and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Additionally, it elaborates on the physiological changes at birth crucial for understanding the context of CPR.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject matter of Chapter 8, Infant CPR, involves the critical techniques and procedures used to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on infants. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is an emergency lifesaving procedure that is applied when an infant's heart stops beating. The core of infant CPR technique involves applying pressure to the infant's sternum, with proper positioning of the hands between the lines at T4 and T9 vertebral level to effectively compress the chest and maintain blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain. Rapid compression of the chest at a recommended rate of 100 compressions per minute to the tune of 'Staying Alive' by the Bee Gees can provide the critical systemic circulation needed. Successful CPR can hold off damage and death of neurons which can occur within minutes of loss of blood flow. The technique is performed until the infant regains spontaneous heart contractions or is declared by a healthcare professional.
The use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in emergencies is also highlighted, with many public places having these units available to provide assistance and verbal instructions during such critical situations. Furthermore, the important physiological adjustments made by an infant immediately after birth – the first breath, the closing of the cardiac shunts, thermoregulation, and the establishment of intestinal flora are foundational concepts covered in this chapter, which underpin the understanding of infant CPR.