NURSE'S ROLE IN PEDIATRIC CARDIORESPIRATORY ARREST: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The nurse plays a vital role in delivering care and is well-qualified to diagnose and manage patients experiencing cardiac arrest, both in decision-making at the onset of care and in medication administration. This contributes to a well-structured nursing care system, especially concerning support for families and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Proper knowledge of pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) protocols is crucial when responding to such emergency situations, requiring the application of evidence-based practices. Therefore, this theoretical approach aims to emphasize knowledge on the subject, highlighting the most frequently used practices. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative literature review based on the guiding question: How does the nurse's role influence clinical outcomes in children during cardiac arrest? It follows a qualitative and descriptive design, drawing from literature found in the Virtual Health Library (BVS), LILACS, and SciELO databases, using the descriptors: Nursing, Cardiac Arrest, Pediatric Nursing. The selected texts specifically address the topic of interest. Data collection will occur between October and November of the current year. Inclusion criteria include qualitative studies, full-text availability in Portuguese, and publication between 2017 and 2024. Exclusion criteria included studies not available in full, those with exclusively quantitative approaches, those written in English, or those outside the defined time frame. RESULTS: The studies show that the nurse’s role is essential in the management of pediatric cardiac arrest. Early recognition, prompt response, and accurate execution of resuscitation techniques are key. Team collaboration, clear role assignments, and realistic simulation training lead to improved outcomes. Ongoing education and regular practice are crucial to maintaining care quality and minimizing errors in emergency scenarios. CONCLUSION: It is essential for nurses to be constantly prepared to act in cases of cardiac arrest, maintaining clinical vigilance and initiating prompt interventions. Continuous updates through hands-on training are necessary to ensure effective care. Furthermore, expanded research on the topic is recommended to enhance the academic preparation of future healthcare professionals.