Final answer:
The nurse begins single rescuer CPR at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, focusing on high-quality chest compressions to maintain blood circulation until advanced care is provided or the patient recovers spontaneous heart function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should start single rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult client who is pulseless and breathless at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. After calling for help, the nurse must place the flat portion of one hand on the sternum, specifically between the lines at T4 and T9, to effectively compress the heart and maintain blood circulation, particularly to critical organs like the brain.
Performing high-quality chest compressions is vital for increasing the patient's chances of survival until medical professionals can take over or the patient regains spontaneous heart function. This procedure is crucial as irreversible brain damage can occur within minutes without oxygenated blood flow. It's important to compress the chest at least 5 cm deep while maintaining the prescribed compression rate, which coincides with the rhythm of the song 'Staying Alive' by the Bee Gees, which can serve as a guide for the correct tempo of chest compressions during CPR.
CPR involves manually compressing the blood within the heart to push it into the pulmonary and systemic circuits. The emphasis is on performing high-quality chest compressions. Current standards call for compressions to be at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute.