The Nurse’s Role in Enhancing In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Management: Monitoring and Early Intervention

Abstract

Cardiac arrest (CA) remains a leading cause of in-hospital mortality, with many patients exhibiting signs of clinical deterioration hours before the event. Early detection and timely intervention during this pre-arrest phase are crucial for improving survival outcomes. This paper explores various monitoring techniques, including non-invasive methods such as electrocardiography (ECG), pulse oximetry, and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), as well as invasive methods such as central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary artery catheterization, which are integral in guiding resuscitation efforts. The role of the nursing staff in monitoring, identifying, and responding to early signs of instability is emphasized, as nurses often act as first responders in the hospital setting. The introduction of Early Warning Score (EWS) systems has shown promise in identifying patients at risk of CA and activating the Medical Emergency Team (MET) for prompt intervention. The importance of continued education and the use of algorithms to guide clinical decision-making in acute situations is also highlighted. This paper underscores the need for constant protocol updates and clinical research to optimize monitoring systems and improve patient outcomes following CA.