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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
06:04
Ultrasonographic Assessment During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Published on: October 24, 2020
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Awareness during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Ali Asghar1, Bushra Salim1, Saqiba Tahir1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Summary
This case report highlights a rare instance of a patient needing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while awake, presenting with a flat arterial line and no carotid pulse. It emphasizes the importance of assessing responsiveness in critical care scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Responsiveness assessment is crucial in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Patient awareness during resuscitation is a rare but critical clinical scenario.
- Existing literature on awareness during CPR requires further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of an awake patient requiring CPR.
- To discuss the clinical implications of awareness during resuscitation.
- To review the literature on patient consciousness during cardiopulmonary arrest.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Clinical assessment of patient responsiveness and vital signs.
- Comprehensive literature review on awareness during CPR.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with absent carotid pulse and a flat arterial line despite being awake.
- This presentation is highly unusual in clinical practice.
- The literature review will provide context and analysis of similar rare events.
Conclusions:
- Awareness during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a rare but significant phenomenon.
- Clinicians must consider the possibility of patient consciousness even with apparent signs of cardiac arrest.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and management of awareness during CPR.
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