Final answer:
Care of the pregnant trauma patient during CPR requires special considerations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. It is important to provide a period of relaxation after each contraction and to perform CPR at the correct rate and depth. Proper training is necessary to perform CPR effectively on a pregnant trauma patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
Care of the pregnant trauma patient during CPR requires special considerations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus. When performing CPR on a pregnant woman, the rescuer should position their hands on the sternum in the area between the line at T4 and T9, applying pressure with the flat portion of one hand to compress the heart.
It is important to note that each contraction during CPR sharply reduces oxygenated blood flow to the fetus. Therefore, it is crucial to provide a period of relaxation after each contraction to allow oxygenated blood to be restored to the fetus. If the contractions are too powerful or lengthy, emergency birth methods such as vacuum, forceps, or Caesarian section may be necessary.
Proper training in CPR is essential to avoid causing additional harm to the pregnant trauma patient. The technique should be performed at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, with a depth of at least 5 cm. CPR should be continued until the patient regains spontaneous contraction or is declared dead by a healthcare professional.