Which emergency procedure is essential for a patient experiencing cardiac arrest?

Which emergency procedure is essential for a patient experiencing cardiac arrest?

• A. Immediate intubation
• B. Administration of oxygen
• C. Chest compressions and rescue breaths
• D. Placement of an intravenous line

Answer: (C)

In the context of a patient experiencing cardiac arrest, the priority is to restore effective circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. Chest compressions and rescue breaths are critical components of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is the first line of action for a patient in cardiac arrest. When a person's heart stops beating, blood is no longer being pumped to the brain and other organs, leading to rapid deterioration. Chest compressions help maintain blood flow by manually compressing the heart, while rescue breaths provide oxygen to the lungs. This combination is essential for increasing the chances of survival and minimizing brain damage until more advanced medical interventions can be performed. Immediate intubation is not the first step; while maintaining the airway is important, it should not delay basic life-saving measures. Likewise, administration of oxygen can be helpful, but without circulation from chest compressions, the effectiveness of oxygen delivery is significantly compromised. Placement of an intravenous line is part of advanced care protocols but is not as immediately critical as CPR in the context of cardiac arrest. Therefore, the correct approach focuses on performing chest compressions and rescue breaths to ensure that blood and oxygen are circulating to support the patient until further medical assistance is available.

In the context of a patient experiencing cardiac arrest, the priority is to restore effective circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. Chest compressions and rescue breaths are critical components of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is the first line of action for a patient in cardiac arrest.

When a person's heart stops beating, blood is no longer being pumped to the brain and other organs, leading to rapid deterioration. Chest compressions help maintain blood flow by manually compressing the heart, while rescue breaths provide oxygen to the lungs. This combination is essential for increasing the chances of survival and minimizing brain damage until more advanced medical interventions can be performed.

Immediate intubation is not the first step; while maintaining the airway is important, it should not delay basic life-saving measures. Likewise, administration of oxygen can be helpful, but without circulation from chest compressions, the effectiveness of oxygen delivery is significantly compromised. Placement of an intravenous line is part of advanced care protocols but is not as immediately critical as CPR in the context of cardiac arrest. Therefore, the correct approach focuses on performing chest compressions and rescue breaths to ensure that blood and oxygen are circulating to support the patient until further medical assistance is available.