Santa Clara Local Systems Orientation Practice Exam

Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) require specific considerations during resuscitation, primarily due to the unique physiological mechanisms at play. Chest compressions are contraindicated in these patients because the VAD functions by mechanically moving blood, thereby reducing the reliance on the heart's own contractions for circulation. Administering chest compressions can disrupt the normal flow of blood generated by the device and may lead to complications such as dislodgment of the VAD or damage to the device itself.

Other aspects of resuscitation, such as fluid administration, medication dosing, and oxygen delivery, are generally considered safe and even necessary in supporting the patient's overall condition and optimizing oxygenation during a resuscitation scenario. Therefore, while these actions may still be crucial and beneficial, chest compressions pose a direct risk to the mechanical support that the VAD is providing, making them the only contraindication during resuscitation efforts in these patients.