What it means
The core skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitationkar-dee-oh-PUL-muh-nair-ee rih-sus-ih-TAY-shunEmergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.cardi/o heartpulmon/o lung-ary relating toresuscitation bringing back to lifeFull entry . In an adult, push on the lower half of the breastbone at 100 to 120 compressions a minute, at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm), letting the chest come all the way back up between pushes. For children, the depth is about 2 inches (5 cm), and for infants about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
For the nurse
Keep pauses under 10 seconds, switch compressors about every 2 minutes so quality stays high, and use the automated external defibrillatorAW-tuh-may-tid ek-STER-nul dee-FIB-ruh-lay-terA portable device that checks the heart rhythm through pads on the chest and gives an electric shock if one is needed.Full entry as soon as it arrives.
At a glance
| Also written | chest compressions |
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Related terms
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Emergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.
automated external defibrillator
A portable device that checks the heart rhythm through pads on the chest and gives an electric shock if one is needed.
cardiac arrest
The sudden stop of the heart's pumping, so blood no longer reaches the brain and body.
ACLS
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: the American Heart Association's guidelines and course for treating cardiac arrest and other heart emergencies.