What are the two types of rhythm checks required for adult patients in cardiac arrest?

In adult patients experiencing cardiac arrest, the primary objective is to assess the heart's electrical and mechanical activity to determine the appropriate interventions. The two types of rhythm checks that are essential in this context are ECG monitoring and pulse check.

ECG monitoring allows healthcare providers to observe the electrical activity of the heart in real-time. This is crucial because certain rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, require immediate defibrillation, while others might indicate the need for different treatments.

The pulse check is also an integral component of the assessment. It helps determine whether there is a palpable pulse, indicating that the heart is effectively pumping blood. If there is no pulse, it confirms that the patient is in a state where immediate resuscitative efforts, such as CPR, need to be prioritized.

Together, these two assessments guide the response to the cardiac arrest and form the basis for immediate life-saving interventions.