The nurse finds a client pulseless and breathless. The client’s skin i

The nurse finds a client pulseless and breathless. The client’s skin is pale and cool, but not cyanotic. Because of this finding, what should the nurse suspect?

1. Respiratory arrest occurred prior to cardiac arrest.
2. Cardiac arrest occurred prior to respiratory arrest.
3. The client cannot be resuscitated.
4. Arrest was caused by airway obstruction.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: In the absence of cyanosis, the logical sequence of events would be cardiac arrest followed by respiratory arrest.
Rationale 2: In the absence of cyanosis, the logical sequence of events would be cardiac arrest followed by respiratory arrest.
Rationale 3: Unless the client has do-not-resuscitate orders, a code should be called.
Rationale 4: There is no indication that the arrest was caused by airway obstruction or that the client cannot be resuscitated.