Making decisions about CPR Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the likelihood of complete recovery after receiving CPR?
Only a minority of people survives to make a complete recovery after receiving CPR.
What are potential harms of inappropriate CPR?
CPR can subject a person to an undignified death, cause suffering, and prolong the dying process.
What should be considered regarding a person’s wishes about CPR?
Consider in advance whether CPR could help them and whether they would want CPR.
What are the four key principles of medical ethics?
- Autonomy
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
- Justice
What is the ReSPECT process?
A process supported by the Resuscitation Council (UK) for making advance decisions about CPR.
What should be done if a patient has capacity regarding CPR discussions?
Discussions should usually involve shared decision-making.
What is an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT)?
A legally binding decision made by a person to refuse specific treatments, including CPR, if they lose capacity.
What should be done if a difference of opinion arises about CPR decisions?
This can usually be resolved by careful discussion and explanation.
What must be recorded in advance regarding CPR?
Any recommendation on whether or not to attempt CPR and the reasons for that recommendation.
What is the role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)?
To speak on behalf of a person who lacks capacity and has no other representatives.
What should ALS providers ensure regarding decisions about CPR?
They must record decisions about CPR fully, clearly, and accurately.
Are most advance decision forms legally binding?
No, most forms are not legally binding and guide immediate clinical decision-making.
What should be done if CPR is attempted but the circumstances were not envisaged when the decision was recorded?
It may be appropriate to attempt CPR.
True or False: A tattoo of a DNACPR instruction is considered a legally binding refusal.
False.
What is presumed when no explicit advance decision has been made regarding CPR?
Health professionals will make all reasonable efforts to resuscitate someone.
What should be done if an ADRT refusing CPR is presented after CPR has started?
It is ethical to stop the resuscitation attempt.
When should CPR be withheld?
When an informed person with capacity refuses CPR or if CPR would not restart heart and breathing.
What are some defined situations where CPR may not be started?
- Mortal injuries (e.g., decapitation)
- Known submersion for more than 1.5 hours
- Incineration
- Rigor mortis
- Hypostasis.
What discussion should occur for patients with an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?
Whether to deactivate the shock function of their ICD.
What constitutes a successful resuscitation attempt?
Restoring a patient to a duration and quality of life they regard as worth having.
What should decisions about CPR avoid?
Discrimination based on age or disability.
What factors influence the decision to stop CPR?
- Patient’s clinical history and prognosis
- Cardiac arrest rhythm
- Response to initial resuscitation measures
- Duration of the resuscitation attempt.
What enhances recovery chances without neurological damage during cardiac arrest?
Certain circumstances like hypothermia.
Why should every cardiac arrest be regarded as a critical clinical event?
The decisions made and actions taken must be recorded clearly and accurately.
