A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is experiencing a cardiac arrest. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel?
A.
Perform CPR on the client.
B.
Assist with airway intubation.
C.
Maintain IV access.
D.
Place defibrillator pads on the client.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Maintain IV access.
When a client is experiencing cardiac arrest, the nurse’s priority is to initiate and oversee lifesaving measures. In this critical situation, specific tasks must be delegated appropriately based on the competencies of the healthcare team members involved.
Explanation:
- Perform CPR on the client (Option A): Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical task that requires trained healthcare professionals to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths effectively. While assistive personnel (AP) may be trained in basic life support (BLS), CPR should ideally be performed by a nurse or other advanced provider during a cardiac arrest due to the complexity of coordinating care and responding to the dynamic situation.
- Assist with airway intubation (Option B): Intubation is a procedure that requires specific skills and training beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel. It must be performed by a licensed nurse or physician trained in airway management to ensure that it is done safely and effectively, as improper intubation can lead to serious complications.
- Maintain IV access (Option C): This task is appropriate for assistive personnel, provided they have been trained in basic IV care and maintenance. During a cardiac arrest, maintaining IV access is crucial for administering emergency medications, fluids, and potential resuscitation drugs. This task can be delegated because it falls within the realm of basic nursing support that assistive personnel can competently perform under the supervision of a nurse.
- Place defibrillator pads on the client (Option D): While placing defibrillator pads may seem straightforward, it often requires training and understanding of specific protocols. Typically, this task is best performed by trained healthcare providers to ensure correct placement and readiness for use during defibrillation.
In summary, the nurse should delegate the maintenance of IV access to assistive personnel, as this task aligns with their training and supports the overall care of the client during a cardiac arrest.