Question

The nurse finds a client at 33-week gestation in cardiac arrest. What adaptation to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should the nurse implement?

Answer 1

During a 33-week gestation cardiac arrest, the nurse should modify CPR by performing chest compressions higher on the sternum and displacing the uterus to the left to optimize blood flow for both mother and baby.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering CPR to a client at 33-week gestation in cardiac arrest, the nurse should make an adaptation to the standard protocol due to the client's pregnant state. To accommodate the enlarged uterus, the nurse should perform chest compressions slightly higher on the sternum and ensure to manually displace the uterus to the left, which can alleviate pressure on the inferior vena cava and improve venous return. It is vital to perform these adaptations to maintain blood flow to both the mother's and baby's organs, particularly the brain, to prevent irreversible damage. The standard CPR protocol includes chest compressions at a depth of at least 5 cm and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute which can be timed to the beat of the song "Staying Alive". This rhythm is essential for maintaining adequate circulation until the heart resumes beating or advanced medical care is provided.