Concept Analysis of Cardiac Arrest: Identifying the Critical Attributes and Empirical Indicators. (English)

Purpose: Cardiac arrest has multiple characteristics that need to be approached as an integrated method according to the various changes in the body system. This study was performed to develop a useful guideline for early detection of cardiac arrest by revealing the attributes of cardiac arrest through a concept analysis. Methods: This study was conducted according to the Walker and Avant’s concept analysis method. Systematic literature review and in-depth interview with nurses who experienced cardiac arrest situation were conducted. Based on the literature reviews and in-depth interviews with nurses, the attributes and the empirical referents of the concept of cardiac arrest were elicited. Results: The definable attributes of cardiac arrest were 1) loss of consciousness, 2) abnormal respiratory condition, 3) abnormal cardiovascular signs. Cardiac arrest was found to occur by several antecedents such as cardiac problem, non-cardiac problem, or general problem, whereas ischemia and re-perfusion injury, which can lead to multiple organ failure and death, were derived as consequences. Conclusion: In this study, the concept analysis eliciting attributes and empirical referents is found to be useful as a guideline for understanding and managing cardiac arrest. Based on these findings, clinical providers are expected to make a precise and rapid decision on cardiac arrest and respond quickly, which may increase survival rate of the patients underwent the arrest event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Korean Journal of Adult Nursing is the property of Korean Society of Adult Nursing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)