Question

The PALS resuscitation team is providing care to an intubated child in cardiac arrest. Which of the following can be used to monitor the adequacy of the team's chest compressions?

Select all correct options that apply.
A. Pulse oximetry reading with an oxygen saturation of at least 98%
B. Presence of an arterial waveform or arterial blood pressure in patients with indwelling arterial catheters
C. Visible evidence that cyanosis has resolved
D. End-tidal carbon dioxide levels

Answer 1

To monitor the adequacy of chest compressions during CPR for an intubated child in cardiac arrest, observing end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and checking for an arterial waveform or blood pressure in patients with arterial catheters are effective methods.

Step-by-step explanation:

The adequacy of chest compressions during CPR for a child in cardiac arrest can be monitored using various methods. One reliable way is to observe the end-tidal carbon dioxide levels, which indicate how effectively CO2 is being expelled from the lungs with each compression and thus reflects the quality of chest compressions. Another method is checking for the presence of an arterial waveform or arterial blood pressure in patients with an indwelling arterial catheter, as these indicate that blood is indeed being circulated. Pulse oximetry is not a reliable measure during cardiac arrest due to the lack of pulse, and visible resolution of cyanosis may not provide timely feedback on the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts.