What situation indicates that a patient is experiencing cardiac arrest?

The correct scenario indicating that a patient is experiencing cardiac arrest is when the patient is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating effectively, which leads to a cessation of blood flow and consequently, the patient will not be able to maintain consciousness or breathe on their own. In this state, the absence of both a detectable pulse and effective respiration means that immediate intervention, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is essential to attempt to restore circulation and breathing.

In contrast, if a patient is responsive but weak, they may still have some level of cardiac function. Similarly, a patient who is breathing but has a pulse indicates that heart activity is still present, even if it is insufficient, thus not qualifying as cardiac arrest. A patient exhibiting severe anxiety may be experiencing distress but does not indicate a life-threatening emergency like cardiac arrest. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in identifying emergencies and implementing the appropriate response.