b. Nursing implications include the following:
(1) A careful assessment of the patient's pain must be made in order to
differentiate between routine postoperative discomfort and the pain associated with a
myocardial infarction.
(2) If MI has occurred, nursing management of the patient will encompass
both postoperative and post-MI nursing care considerations.
Section V. SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH
1-41. CARDIAC ARREST
a. Cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac death, is defined as the
sudden, unexpected cessation of the heartbeat and circulation. This occurs when the
heart action stops entirely or the heart fibrillates. Causes of sudden cardiac death
include the following:
(1)
Cardiac arrhythmias.
(2)
Myocardial infarction.
(3)
Shock.
(4)
Drowning.
(5)
Electrocution.
(6)
Carbon monoxide poisoning.
(7)
Anoxia.
b. The absence of peripheral pulses and heart sounds is all that is necessary to
make the diagnosis. There is a period of about four minutes between the cessation of
circulation and the onset of irreversible brain damage. For this reason, it is imperative
that resuscitation begins immediately. Resuscitation requires that two basic life support
functions be restored: blood must be pumped through the body and oxygen and carbon
dioxide exchange must occur. Restoration of one function without the other is not
adequate.
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