Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

What should you do if a cardiac arrest patient is on an unyielding surface?

1. Move them to a softer surface immediately

2. Continue CPR without repositioning

3. Adjust the bed height for better access

4. Place a pillow under their head

The correct answer is: Adjust the bed height for better access

In a scenario where a cardiac arrest patient is on an unyielding surface, the focus should be on ensuring that CPR is performed effectively. Ultimately, the best course of action is to prioritize the continuation of chest compressions, which are critical to maintaining circulation. While adjusting bed height may provide better access for medical personnel, it may not address the immediate need for effective chest compressions. In fact, moving the patient to a softer surface can cause interruptions in CPR, which is detrimental to the patient's chances of survival. Therefore, the priority should be to continue CPR without repositioning the patient to minimize any delays in this life-saving intervention. The options involving moving the patient to a softer surface, adjusting bed height, or placing a pillow under the head could hinder the quality of CPR or increase delays, thereby potentially compromising the patient's outcome. The successful management of a cardiac arrest incident relies on minimizing interruptions to chest compressions and maintaining effective resuscitation efforts.