A nurse is providing teaching to a client about recognizing manifestations of an impending cardiac arrest. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. In the community, the nurse should notify emergency services: In a community setting, such as outside the hospital or in a public area, it is essential to activate emergency medical services (EMS) by calling for help immediately when initiating CPR.

B. Compression rates and depths vary depending on the setting: Compression rates and depths for CPR follow standardized guidelines set by organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and may not significantly differ between community and hospital settings. These guidelines typically recommend a compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) for adults.

C. In the hospital, codes are addressed by an interprofessional team: In a hospital setting, cardiac arrest situations are typically addressed by an interprofessional team consisting of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers. This team-based approach allows for coordinated efforts in resuscitation, including advanced interventions such as airway management, medications, and defibrillation.

D. In the community, the nurse might use laypeople for assistance: In a community setting, especially if the nurse is providing CPR outside of a healthcare facility, there may be a need to involve laypeople or bystanders for assistance. Promptly recruiting bystanders to call for help, retrieve an AED if available, or assist with chest compressions can improve outcomes for the victim of cardiac arrest.

E. In the community, the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) requires the presence of a health care provider: In many community settings, including public places like shopping malls, airports, and schools, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available for use by laypeople or bystanders. While the presence of a healthcare provider is beneficial, AEDs are designed to provide audio and visual instructions for use by individuals without medical training, allowing for rapid defibrillation in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

A. Massaging the legs frequently can exacerbate symptoms of peripheral venous disease by increasing venous pressure and worsening edema. It is not recommended for managing this condition.

B. Keeping the legs in a dependent position can further impair venous return and exacerbate symptoms. Elevating the legs above the level of the heart when possible is recommended to reduce venous congestion.

C. Decreasing activity can lead to deconditioning and worsen symptoms over time. Encouraging regular, moderate physical activity is important for improving venous circulation and overall vascular health.

D. Inspecting the legs daily for changes in color, size, and temperature is an essential component of managing peripheral venous disease. Changes such as skin discoloration, swelling, or increased warmth can indicate worsening venous insufficiency or the development of complications such as venous ulcers. Early detection allows for prompt intervention and prevention of complications.