For a pregnant patient in cardiac arrest, what is an appropriate action?

In the case of a pregnant patient experiencing cardiac arrest, providing continuous high-quality CPR with left uterine displacement is essential for several reasons. During cardiac arrest, immediate action is crucial to restore circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. High-quality CPR ensures that blood is being pumped effectively, increasing the chances of survival for both the mother and the fetus.

The left uterine displacement maneuver is particularly important because it helps to relieve pressure from the uterus on the inferior vena cava, which can improve venous return to the heart and enhance the effectiveness of CPR. This position also helps to prevent potential complications arising from reduced blood flow due to compression from the enlarging uterus, especially in later stages of pregnancy.

Other actions, such as performing extensive maternal assessments or waiting for obstetric teams, would delay necessary critical interventions that could save the lives of both the mother and the fetus. Using an AED would also not be appropriate only under conditions of stability, as defibrillation should be applied as soon as it is available and necessary, regardless of the patient's current status when in cardiac arrest. Prompt, high-quality CPR with appropriate adjustments for the pregnant patient is the most effective response in such emergencies.