Medical Case 4: Carl Shapiro
Guided Reflection Questions
1. How did the scenario make you feel?
● Scenario took me by surprise and it happened so fast. I was flustered and didn’t
know what to do at that moment. Then I started doing normal Code Blue
protocols.
2. What could have been the causes of Carl Shapiro’s ventricular fibrillation?
● Heart disease that was underlying, arrythmias, certain medications that was
taken, or electrolyte imbalances.
3. When performing CPR for Carl Shapiro, what are quality indicators you are
performing resuscitation correctly?
● 30:2 ratio with good breaths in between. When CPR happens, O2 sat does not
drop dangerously, and some form of rhythm shows up in the telegram.
4. Discuss safety aspects during defibrillation.
● During defibrillation, it is important to make sure area is clear when the shock is
charged and make sure no one touches the patient before delivering the shock.
After the shock was delivered then CPR must continue.
5. If Carl Shapiro would have had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), what would
your next interventions be?
● If he have had return of circulation, my next intervention would be to notify HCP
and asking for additional orders. Following a complete head to toe assessment
and vitals and focused heart assessment.
6. What key elements would you include in the handoff report for this patient? Consider
the SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) format.
● Patient had ventricular fibrillation and had Code Blue called. Patient had ROSC
and HCP notified.
● Focus heart assessment needed, continue monitoring vitals and check in with
patient often.
● Patient had recurring pain mentioned.
7. If Carl Shapiro’s family members had been present at the bedside during the arrest,
describe what you could have done to support them during this crisis.
● I would try to let the family hold the patient’s leg and let them know that everyone
is doing everything they can to bring the patient back. Encourage the family to
trust the health care workers and believe in the patient.
8. What would you do differently if you were to repeat this scenario? How would your
patient care change?
● If I was to repeat this scenario I would be more cautious of the patients pain
assessment and listen to the patients lungs and heart more carefully. When the
heart attack happens, I would call code and have a team leader tell me what to
do.