Nurses' attitudes towards ineffective resuscitation due to sudden cardiac arrest

Abstract

Introduction. Sudden cardiac arrest by definition is the unexpected cessation of heart function. The characteristic features are: no reaction to stimuli, no perceptible pulse and apnea or agonal breathing. Some sources also consider a significant reduction in the work of the heart as SCA. Immediate and appropriate help is essential in dealing with this serious medical problem.

Aim. The main aim of the work is to analyse the attitudes of nursing staff towards ineffective resuscitation.

Material and methods. The subject of the research is the attitudes of nurses towards ineffective resuscitation due to sudden cardiac arrest. For the purposes of the study, the method of diagnostic survey, proprietary questionnaire, standardized Mini COPE questionnaire and statistical methods were used.

Results. The analysis of the collected data showed the attitudes towards ineffective resuscitation. There was no significant correlation between age, work experience, education, gender and the attitude of the respondents. The hypothesis about the most frequent attitude of seeking support in a stressful situation, which is ineffective resuscitation, has also not been confirmed. In the study, the strategy of active coping and acceptance was the dominant.

Conclusions. Active coping was the dominant one among all attitudes represented by the nursing staff towards ineffective resuscitation. As research proves that age, education or work experience do not significantly affect the way of coping with the stress resulting from ineffective resuscitation, there is a real need to deepen the issue and create tools to support emotional and instrumental personnel dealing with the problem.