c. The seeming confusion of people is actually a coordinated effort by a group of
people, each performing a particular task. The major roles are as follows:
(1)
A physician will direct the activities, "managing" the code.
(2)
A nurse will administer IV medications at the direction of the physician in
charge.
(3) A nurse (or paraprofessional) will monitor blood pressure and obtain
blood samples.
(4)
One individual will perform chest compressions.
(5) One individual will administer artificial ventilation. This is normally the
anesthesia specialist, who has intubated the patient.
(6) One individual will act as a recorder, charting the exact
time of each action performed and each medication given.
(7) One or more individuals act as "runners," taking specimens to the lab,
obtaining needed supplies, receiving lab reports, and so forth.
d. Remember, the purpose of a "code" is to attempt resuscitation of a patient
whose heart has stopped pumping effectively (fibrillation) or stopped pumping
altogether. Keep this purpose in mind at all times, and be aware of your role as a
paraprofessional.
1-44. CONCLUSION
a. This lesson has introduced the basic nursing care techniques and procedures
involved in the nursing care related to the CV system.
b. Review the lesson's objectives once again. If you feel confident that you have
achieved the lesson objectives, complete the exercises at the end of this lesson.
c. If you do not feel that you have met the lesson objectives, review the
necessary material before you attempt the end of lesson exercises.
MD0917
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