Weight Gain and Fatigue Effect on Nursing Students Performing High-Fidelity CPR Simulation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Physiology
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill for nurses.
• The physical demands of CPR, especially with added weight, are not fully understood.
• Fatigue and physiological changes can impact CPR performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a weighted vest on nursing students during high-fidelity CPR simulation.
• To assess physiological responses and vital signs changes during CPR simulation.
• To determine if weight gain and fatigue affect CPR performance in nursing students.

Main Methods:

• A simulation-based study involving 31 nursing students at the University of Castilla la Mancha.
• Participants performed CPR with or without a weighted vest.
• Vital signs, pain, pupillary size, and blood analytes were measured before, during, and after the simulation.

Main Results:

• All measured variables showed significant time effects, except glucose levels.
• Heart rate, lactate, and cortisol levels were significantly different between students with and without vests.
• Physiological variables increased when performing CPR with a weighted vest.

Conclusions:

• Wearing a weighted vest during CPR simulation elevates vital signs and physiological stress.
• These physiological changes may negatively affect CPR performance.
• Physical training programs should be investigated to enhance the CPR skills of future healthcare professionals.