Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Giving Patients the Best Chance at Full Recovery
When someone's heart suddenly stops beating, it's a terrifying and life-threatening event. This usually happens due to cardiac arrest. CPR can help restart the heart, but that's just the first step. What happens next is critical for helping the person survive with the least possible brain damage or disabilities. This period after the heart restarts is known as post-cardiac arrest care. ACLS certification and Best ACLS renewal online can help healthcare teams be skilled and knowledgeable about post-cardiac arrest care.
Why is Restoring Oxygen Flow The First Priority?
As soon as the heart starts beating again, the top priority is restoring oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain and vital organs. The organs are deprived of oxygen during the arrest. The healthcare team may take these steps:
Make sure the airway is clear
If the victim needs help breathing, they will use a ventilator or breathing tube
Check blood pressure. If there is a need, they will give IV fluids
Treat any injuries like trauma that may have caused the cardiac arrest
By quickly re-establishing oxygen delivery, it limits any further damage and provides the body with the best chance to recover from the arrest.
Oxygen cylinders come in varying sizes to cater to different medical needs. The most common sizes include E, D, M, and H. An E cylinder holds about 625 liters of oxygen and is the smallest portable size. The D cylinder is the most commonly used and holds about 340 liters of oxygen. Moving up, the M cylinder holds around 3,000 liters, while the large H cylinder can hold up to 6,000 liters of oxygen. These oxygen cylinder sizes and capacities are crucial for healthcare facilities to ensure a sufficient oxygen supply for patients requiring respiratory support.
How Does Targeted Temp Control Protect the Brain?
One of the most important treatments in post-cardiac arrest care is controlling the patient's body temperature. This is done using cooling devices or ice pads. They carefully lower the body temperature, typically to around 92-96°F.
Reducing the core body temperature has proven brain-protective effects:
It slows the metabolism and decreases how much oxygen the brain needs
It stops the death of brain cells from lack of oxygen
It prevents dangerous brain swelling that can cause more damage
The patient is kept in this cool, hypothermic state for about 24 hours. Then the body temperature is slowly raised back to normal over the next day or so.
Multiple studies show this targeted temperature management improves survival rates and neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. It's now the standard of care.
Why is Continuous Monitoring Crucial?
After such a life-threatening event, the patient requires intensive care and continuous monitoring. The team monitors-
Heart rhythm and rate
Blood pressure
Oxygen levels
Kidney and liver function
Brain activity
Any abnormalities are quickly corrected. For example, if blood pressure is too low, that reduces vital oxygen delivery so IV fluids or medications may be given. The monitoring data helps guide the overall care plan and treatments.
How Does Testing Identify Remaining Issues?
A variety of tests are also performed in the critical first days. These tests are done to identify any remaining medical issues or injuries sustained during the cardiac arrest, such as:
Blood tests to check organ function
Imaging scans like CT or MRI to look for internal bleeding, strokes, etc.
Electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate heart rhythm issues
Neurological exams to assess brain function
How Are Brain Injuries Treated?
Since lack of oxygen to the brain is so dangerous during cardiac arrest, one of the main post-arrest concerns is brain injury. Depending on how long oxygen was cut off, there may be:
Brain cell death
Stroke or cerebral bleeding
Brain swelling and increased pressure
If any degree of brain damage is detected through testing, the medical team will act quickly to try and limit it through measures like:
Special medications that protect the remaining healthy brain cells
Surgery may be needed to remove blood clots. It can also be used to relieve dangerous pressure on the brain
Rehabilitative therapies
The sooner brain injuries are treated, the better the chances for optimizing recovery of mental and physical abilities.
How Do The Victims Get Back to Normal Life?
For many cardiac arrest survivors, the next big step is regaining skills and functioning through rehabilitation. They may need:
Physical therapy to restore mobility and strength
Occupational therapy to relearn daily living skills
Speech therapy for any issues with speaking or swallowing
Cognitive and psychological support
The goal of all the therapies is to help the person become as independent and high-functioning as possible in their everyday life after this major health crisis.
How To Maintain ACLS Certification Online?
Maintaining up-to-date skills in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is vital for the healthcare professionals involved in post-cardiac arrest care. ACLS recertification teaches the latest science and protocols for responding to cardiovascular emergencies like cardiac arrest.
Full online course accredited by the authorities
Interactive video lessons
Learn at your own time and convenience
Ability to record and submit your hands-on skills testing online
Instant printing of your new ACLS card after passing
Conclusion
With prompt high-quality post-cardiac arrest care, many patients are able to survive with good neurological outcomes. By following the latest guidelines and acting rapidly, the healthcare team can give every person the best possible chance at a meaningful recovery after this life-threatening event. Best ACLS renewal online can help the healthcare team stay updated.
More Health Articles
