Cardiac Arrest Diagnosis Criteria

Cardiac arrest is primarily diagnosed based on the sudden loss of consciousness and the absence of a pulse in major arteries such as the carotid and femoral arteries. When both of these signs are present, the diagnosis of cardiac arrest can be confidently made. Immediate action is required, beginning with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as soon as possible to improve the chances of survival.

Immediate Assessment Techniques

To assess the patient, one hand should gently tap and shout to determine if the person is responsive, while the other hand checks for a pulse in the carotid artery. If both responsiveness and pulse are absent, it can be concluded that the patient is experiencing cardiac arrest. At this point, initiating CPR without delay is crucial.

Unreliable Diagnostic Indicators

Avoiding Delays in CPR

In adult patients, absence of heart sounds is not a reliable indicator of cardiac arrest. Similarly, an unobtainable blood pressure reading does not necessarily confirm cardiac arrest. Therefore, repeatedly listening to heart sounds or attempting to measure blood pressure can lead to unnecessary delays in starting CPR. These delays can significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful outcome and affect post-resuscitation survival rates.

Limitations of Pupillary Response

Changes in pupil size are also not a dependable sign of cardiac arrest. Pupillary constriction, for example, does not confirm whether cardiac arrest has occurred. This is especially true in patients who have taken medications such as opioids or in elderly individuals, where pupillary responses may be altered due to other factors unrelated to cardiac function.