What is the role of CPR in managing a pregnant patient in full arrest?

Prepare for the Los Angeles County Paramedic Accreditation Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get set to ace your exam!

The role of CPR in managing a pregnant patient in full arrest primarily focuses on maintaining circulation to both the mother and the fetus. During cardiac arrest, the mother's heart is unable to effectively pump blood, which not only affects her own vital organs but also jeopardizes the oxygen and nutrient supply to the fetus. Performing CPR is crucial in this scenario because it helps to circulate blood to both patients until more advanced medical interventions can be provided.

This approach acknowledges the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, particularly the increased blood volume and the need for adequate perfusion to the womb. Without effective CPR, the likelihood of survival for both the mother and the fetus dramatically decreases. Therefore, the priority is ensuring that blood flow is preserved for both, making this the correct answer.

To consider the other options briefly, providing pain relief is not a primary function of CPR during such an urgent situation, stabilizing the mother's blood pressure is more relevant in different contexts of acute care rather than direct CPR itself, and preparing for air transport pertains to logistical aspects rather than the immediate lifesaving function of CPR.

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