الفهرس 
Definitions of cardiac arrest
SUBJECTS & METHODSOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Cardiac arrest is defined as the cessation of effective cardiac output due to the absence of mechanical cardiac activity. When cardiac arrest occurs, the patient is only minutes away from irreversible biologic death unless the condition is recognized and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is begun immediately. Cardiorespiratory arrest may occur because of a primary airway breathing or cardiovascular problem. Many life threatening diseases occur secondary to respiratory or cardiac compromise.
In unconscious or collapsed persons, the state of ventilation and circulation must be determined immediately. Speed, efficiency, and proper application of CPR directly relate to successful neurologic outcome. Tissue anorxia for > 4 to 6 minutes can result in irreversible brain damage or death.
Heart rhythms associated with cardiac arrest can be divided into two groups:
• Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT).
• Other rhythms including a systole and electro-mechanical dissociation (EMD).
Successful CPR depends on basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS). During cardiac arrest, basic CPR and early defibrillation are of primary importance, and drug administration is of secondary importance.
The team comprise senior nurses and doctors trained in the management to the critically ill patient. This team can direct the patient’s clinical management including admission to an intensive care unit, or coronary care unit. Management of significant arrhythmias may prevent deterioration into a cardiac arrest rhythm.
Aim of the study:
This study aimed to assess the nurses performance in caring for patients with cardiac arrest.
Subjects and Methods:
Subject & setting:
The sample consists of all the available nurses (50 nurses) working in critical care units (ER, CCU & ICU) at the Police Authority Hospital in Madianet Nasr. Nurses qualifications were either diploma, diploma with specialty and Bachelor degree.
The tools used to accomplish the purpose of the study were:
1. A questionnaire sheet for the nurses sociodemographic characteristics as well assessment of nurses knowledge related to CPR it comprised questions covering basic knowledge related to CPR and cardiac arrest. Causes of cardiac arrest, sign and symptoms, and CPR procedure, complication after successful CPR. The total score of the questionnaire was (100).
2. An observational check list was designed for the assessment of nursing practice regarding to CPR nursing intervention to patient with cardiac arrest to keep open the airway, keep breathing present, that cause the chest to rise, checking carotid pulse and other, and continuing CPR until advanced life support personnel arrive and assess responsiveness and attempt defibrillation.
The total score of check list was (100):
• Less than 50% considered poor.
• from 50% to 65% considered average.
• More than 65% were considered good.
Findings of the study can be summarized as follows:
• For majority, nurses under study, qualification was diploma in nursing and the majority had less than 10 years of experience.
• Than two thirds 64% of the sample had poor knowledge about CPR and 70% of nurses had poor practice.
• There was no statistically significant difference between the nurses’ knowledge and experience and working place or training.
• There was no statistically significant difference between the nurses’ practice and experience, working place and training.
• The study showed a highly statistically significant relation between knowledge level and practice level.
• Significant relations were detected between educational level and practice level and between educational level and knowledge level.