Red Cross Advanced Life Support (ALS) Practice Exam

Resuscitative cesarean delivery (RCD) is a critical intervention performed in cases of maternal cardiac arrest during pregnancy, particularly when the gestational age is significant enough that the fetus has the potential for survival outside the womb. The timing of this procedure is crucial; the correct timeframe for performing RCD is within 5 minutes of the maternal cardiac arrest.

This timeframe is based on the understanding that prolonged hypoxia for the fetus can lead to irreversible brain damage and other complications. Since the fetus is dependent on maternal circulation for oxygen and nutrients, it is imperative to deliver the fetus as quickly as possible to initiate resuscitation efforts that could save its life. The goal is to optimize the chance of fetal survival while also providing necessary care to the mother.

Timely delivery can also facilitate more effective parental resuscitation efforts, as immediate postpartum interventions can be initiated to restore circulation. The focus on a 5-minute window demonstrates the urgency and importance of quick decision-making in emergencies involving pregnant patients, where both maternal and fetal lives are at risk.