title: Nursing role in monitoring during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the peri-arrest period: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study objective was to present a comprehensive literature review on the monitoring of patients with cardiac arrest (CA) and the nursing contribution in this crucial situation. Monitoring techniques during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the peri-arrest period (just before or after CA) are included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Approaches used to access the research studies included a comprehensive search in relevant electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Review, British Nursing Index) using relevant keywords (eg, cardiac arrest, resuscitation, monitoring, nurse, survival, outcome). Books and journals known to the authors were also used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The nurse's role in patients with CA is extremely significant and if performed correctly adds great insight to treatment planning and correct management.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early recognition of CA and invasive (methods and equipment that require endarterial or intravenous access) and noninvasive monitoring should be prompt and appropriate for early return of spontaneous circulation and improved neurologic outcome in patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, 401 General Army Hospital of Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Chrysovalantis
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pothitakis
authors.forename: Konstantinos A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Ekmektzoglou
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Piagkou
authors.forename: Theodoros
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Karatzas
authors.forename: Theodoros
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Xanthos
mesh_terms: D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D056805:Consciousness Monitors; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010092:Oximetry; D013997:Time Factors