Skip to content
Andrew Pollack-Gray

Nursing Notes

Cardiac Arrest and CPR Response

3 min read

When & Why?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops effectively pumping blood.
Immediate CPR and early defibrillation can improve survival.
Possible causes:

  • Heart attack or dangerous arrhythmia.
  • Respiratory failure or choking.
  • Drowning, trauma, or overdose.

Before You Start

  • Know the facility’s emergency response and Code Blue procedures.
  • Know how resident resuscitation status and DNR/POLST orders are communicated to direct-care staff.
  • Review applicable resuscitation orders as part of routine care preparation, before an emergency occurs.
  • Ensure you know how to summon assistance and locate an AED.
  • Maintain current CPR/BLS training as required by your facility.

Important: Resuscitation preferences should be established and accessible before an emergency. Do not delay indicated emergency care to independently search through medical records.

Steps

  1. Ensure scene safety.
  2. Check responsiveness and breathing according to current BLS training.
  3. Immediately activate the facility’s emergency response system and request an AED.
  4. If cardiac arrest is suspected and there is no known, applicable, valid order prohibiting CPR, begin CPR promptly according to current training.
  5. If a valid DNR/POLST order prohibiting CPR is already known and applicable, do not initiate CPR. Summon nursing assistance immediately and provide appropriate comfort and supportive care.
  6. If resuscitation status is uncertain, follow the facility’s emergency protocol without delaying indicated care.
  7. If CPR is initiated, apply and follow AED instructions as soon as available.
  8. Continue according to current BLS guidance and authorized team direction.

Important: Do not independently interpret ambiguous medical orders. Escalate uncertainty immediately to licensed nursing staff while following the emergency protocol.

Safety & Observations

  • Gasping is not normal breathing.
  • Minimize interruptions to chest compressions.
  • Follow current certification training for compression technique and ventilation.
  • AEDs should be used as trained.
  • Follow applicable DNR/POLST orders and facility policy.

What Should I Remember?

  • Recognize → Call → CPR → AED.
  • Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack.
  • Early intervention matters.
  • CPR competency requires hands-on training.

Practice

  • Studied
  • Observed
  • Practiced
  • Passed checkoff

Sources

Flashcards

Does gasping count as normal breathing?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer

No; agonal gasps are abnormal breathing.

What is the initial response to unresponsiveness and absent normal breathing?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer

Activate emergency response, begin trained CPR, obtain an AED.

Should a CNA delay indicated CPR to search for a resident's POLST form?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer

No. Follow the emergency protocol and promptly involve licensed staff.

What should a CNA do when a known, valid, applicable DNR order prohibits CPR?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer

Do not initiate CPR; summon help and provide appropriate supportive care.

Graph View

Backlinks