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If the HR is not increasing within the first 15 seconds of PPV and you do not observe chest movement, what do you do?

User Pzeszko
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Final answer:

If HR does not increase during PPV and there is no chest movement, check the PPV technique. If correct, reassess the airway and initiate CPR with correct hand placement and compression rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the heart rate (HR) is not increasing within the first 15 seconds of Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) and chest movement is not observed, the next step is to verify if the PPV is being administered correctly. Should proper chest movement still not be achieved, it is essential to reassess the patient's airway to ensure it is open and clear, then reposition the mask or consider an alternative airway adjunct if necessary. If the airway is secure but the heart rate remains low, it may be necessary to initiate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), focusing on high-quality chest compressions as described in CPR protocols.

During CPR, correct hand placement is between the T4 and T9 vertebrae on the sternum to effectively compress the heart and maintain blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain. The recommended depth of chest compressions is at least 5 cm, with a rate of 100 compressions per minute—mirroring the beat of the song 'Staying Alive' by the Bee Gees. CPR is continued until either spontaneous heart contractions return or the patient is declared deceased by a qualified healthcare professional.

User Helb
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