Question

If an adult with a functioning ventricular assist device presents with signs of poor perfusion and the MAP is >50 mmHg and/or the PETCO2 is >20 mmHg, should chest compressions be performed?

a. yes
b. no

Answer 1

If an adult with a functioning ventricular assist device presents with signs of poor perfusion and the MAP is >50 mmHg and/or the PETCO2 is >20 mmHg, chest compressions should not be performed.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an adult with a functioning ventricular assist device presents with signs of poor perfusion and the MAP is >50 mmHg and/or the PETCO2 is >20 mmHg, chest compressions should not be performed. In this scenario, the patient has an adequate mean arterial pressure (MAP) and partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), indicating that there is still blood flow and carbon dioxide exchange occurring. Chest compressions are typically performed in cases of cardiac arrest with absent or insufficient blood flow. In this case, other interventions may be necessary to address the signs of poor perfusion.