Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Paediatric Nursing (PAED)

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) OF A CHILD

This is emergency life-saving procedure performed when a child's heart and/or breathing has stopped.

Purpose

  • Restore circulation
  • Provide oxygenation
  • Prevent brain damage
  • Support until advanced care

Indications

  • Cardiac arrest
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Unconsciousness with no breathing

Equipment

  • Resuscitation bag-mask
  • Oxygen source
  • Suction
  • Defibrillator/AED
  • Emergency medications
  • Airway adjuncts

Preparation

  • Know pediatric BLS algorithm
  • Prepare resuscitation equipment
  • Assign team roles

Procedure steps

  • Ensure scene safety
  • Check responsiveness
  • Call for help/activate emergency response
  • Check breathing and pulse simultaneously (max 10 seconds)
  • If no pulse, begin chest compressions
  • Compress at least 1/3 AP diameter of chest
  • Rate: 100-120/min
  • Ratio: 30:2 for single rescuer, 15:2 for two rescuers
  • Open airway using head tilt-chin lift
  • Give rescue breaths
  • Continue cycles
  • Attach AED when available
  • Follow AED prompts

Precautions

  • Use appropriate compression depth
  • Allow full chest recoil
  • Minimize interruptions
  • Avoid excessive ventilation

Aftercare

  • Continue until ROSC or termination
  • Provide post-resuscitation care
  • Support family

Nursing considerations

  • Adjust technique for age/size
  • Consider cause of arrest
  • Work as team

Patient education

  • Not applicable during emergency
  • Family education after stabilization

Documentation

  • Time of arrest
  • Initial rhythm
  • Interventions and times
  • ROSC time
  • Medications given

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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