Re: Help, quick question about full codes

[Catsrule16]

I would make sure that I documented the discussion with the families, BEFORE ADMISSION, the meaning of "witnessed" last breaths. If you accept a full code resident and don't provide the code services as they expect, you could be cited for not being able to provide appropriate services.  If I remember my AHA BLS guidelines, you do not begin CPR if rigor has begun to set in. While the regulations don't require you have a CPR certified person on staff, if you are going to accept full code residents, you need to make sure you have someone on staff trained to perform the task. Be sure there is a person on every shift as well. Also make sure that person has had a skills check off to show competency in performing the task. Family education on full codes, asking what they expect the facility staff to do in a code situation, and documenting what you have done can save your behind.    The first time I had to perform CPR on an 82 year old, I broke 5 ribs with the first compression. I turned green and almost passed out. The family was in the room when this happened and saw most of the code. They didn't realize just what all we did in a code. (This was at a hospital based unit.) While the code was successful, the family decided on the spot to not do that again. I guess the families don't understand just what will happen in a code. Maybe they are dealing with a lot of unresolved guilt.   In a message dated 02/06/2004 9:56:55 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I would base it on your facility policy and if you donât have oneâ.write one. Our policy is that we only code WITNESSED last breathsâ.   -----Original Message----- From: Davina Demerritt [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 8:38 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Help, quick question about full codes   If a resident is a full code and you do not know when they took their last breathe, then you still start a code, correct?  I need this in writing please.