What Nurses Must Do During Cardiac Arrest: Your Essential Guide

When it comes to cardiac arrest, every second counts. As nursing students preparing for — or just diving into! — Arizona State University’s NUR356 course, understanding what to do during these critical situations is not just part of the curriculum; it could mean the difference between life and death. But what exactly should a nurse do during a cardiac arrest? Let’s unpack that here.

First Things First: Why CPR is Non-Negotiable

You know what? In the face of a cardiac arrest, the top priority for any nurse is to initiate CPR and maintain airway patency. Think of it as your lifeline to the patient. CPR acts like a bridge that ensures blood circulation continues to the body's vital organs, especially the brain and heart, until emergency medical services arrive.

The Importance of CPR

It’s important to remember that every minute counts. Research shows that effective CPR can double or even triple a patient’s chances of survival. Why? Because the heart is essentially the body's pump, and if it stops — well, everything else does too. Can you imagine the shock and fear that come with such emergencies? Maintaining your composure and acting decisively can lead to saving a life.

Keeping the Airway Open

But wait! What about the airway? Maintaining airway patency is equally important. Picture this: your friend is choking at a party — that panicked look and gasping for air is exactly what happens in a cardiac arrest if the airway is blocked. If you can't get oxygen to the lungs, no amount of CPR is going to help. It’s the classic case of needing to ensure the airway is clear before you can provide effective help.

Actions Over Everything Else

Now, you might be thinking: "Okay, but what about administering medications or getting patient history?" Those are important too, no doubt about it. However, in the heat of the moment — and trust me, it’s always heated — the focus should be on immediate resuscitation measures. Think about it: would you want someone to stop performing CPR on you to gather history or administer medications? Exactly. Life-saving interventions should always come first.

The Team Effort: Calling for Help

Of course, you’re not alone in these critical moments. It’s vital to call for additional staff support, but let’s not confuse this with the primary actions required earlier. Pause for a moment — imagine how important it is to have a well-coordinated response team. Effective communication during a cardiac event can streamline responses and improve outcomes.

Team Roles in Cardiac Arrest

Everyone on the health care team has a role to play. While one nurse is busy doing chest compressions, another might be preparing to administer shock using a defibrillator or checking the patient’s vital signs to track changes. Teamwork is essential, and everyone has their part to ensure optimal patient care.

Final Thoughts

As you prepare for your NUR356 exam at ASU, remembering these key actions can make your study not just about passing but truly understanding patient care. Initiating CPR and confirming a clear airway stand out as the non-negotiable aspects of emergency nursing practice during cardiac arrests. So, when you find yourself in the clinical setting, confidently take the lead — lives depend on it!

In the end, keep these essential functions in your toolkit and approach each simulation — and eventually each real-life experience — with pragmatism and care. Don’t just be a nurse; aim to be a lifeline.