Cardiopulmonary resuscitation during pregnancy

Cardiopulmonary arrest during pregnancy, although relatively rare, poses a unique challenge to the obstetric nurse. Resuscitation measures attempt to restore maternal hemodynamic stability and promote fetal well-being. Prognosis is improved when those caring for such women possess the knowledge and skills necessary to implement basic and advanced resuscitation protocols. This chapter reviews significant physiologic alterations in pregnancy that have an impact on resuscitation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) algorithms for selected pulseless rhythms. As critical care capabilities continue to develop within obstetric units, it is reasonable to predict that obstetric nurses will face this challenge with increasing frequency.