Drowning and Water Emergency Resuscitation Flashcards
7 cards from real CPR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Drowning and Water Emergency Resuscitation flashcards as text
What does the phrase 'no one is dead until they are warm and dead' mean in the context of drowning?
Answer: Cold-water drowning victims may survive prolonged submersion due to hypothermic protection
Hypothermia can profoundly slow metabolism and protect the brain, meaning victims submerged in cold water may survive and recover even after extended submersion.
Which cardiac rhythm is MOST commonly found in drowning victims when cardiac arrest occurs?
Answer: Asystole or pulseless electrical activity
Drowning-related arrest is hypoxic and typically presents as asystole or PEA rather than the shockable rhythms more common in primary cardiac arrest.
A drowning victim is rescued from cold water and is breathing normally. What is the most appropriate next action?
Answer: Move them to a warm environment, monitor closely, and seek medical evaluation
Even conscious drowning victims can deteriorate from pulmonary edema or hypothermia and must be kept warm, monitored, and evaluated by medical professionals.
What is the primary cause of cardiac arrest in drowning victims?
Answer: Hypoxia due to inability to breathe
Drowning prevents breathing, leading to progressive hypoxia which ultimately causes cardiac arrest if the victim is not rescued and ventilated.
How does cold water submersion generally affect the chances of survival and resuscitation efforts?
Answer: Cold water can extend the survival window due to reduced metabolic demand
Hypothermia decreases cellular oxygen demand, which can extend the time window for successful resuscitation, especially in children submerged in very cold water.
Which of the following best describes 'secondary drowning' (also called dry drowning or delayed drowning)?
Answer: Delayed respiratory distress or pulmonary edema after a submersion event
Secondary drowning refers to respiratory compromise that develops hours after a submersion event, caused by water in the lungs triggering inflammation or spasm.
When should rescuers consider stopping resuscitation efforts for a drowning victim?
Answer: Only after rewarming (if hypothermic) and determining no response to resuscitation
Resuscitation should continue until the victim is rewarmed and evaluated in a hospital setting, as hypothermia can mimic death; termination decisions are made by medical professionals.