Nursing Concept Map: Cardiac Arrest With Anoxic Brain Injury
This nursing concept map addresses care for a 62-year-old female admitted following cardiac arrest and subsequent anoxic brain injury. The patient collapsed at a dialysis facility after refusing treatment and was resuscitated with CPR, AED shocks, and epinephrine. The map is organized around three priority nursing concepts: airway and breathing, circulation and hemodynamic stability, and neurological status. For each concept, the map outlines system-specific assessments, nursing interventions, expected outcome criteria, relevant medications, and supporting laboratory data. Evaluation findings indicate that airway and circulatory outcomes were met, while neurological outcomes were only partially achieved due to fluctuating consciousness and motor function.
- Patient Overview and Priority Concepts: Patient demographics, admission reason, and three priority concepts
- System-Specific Assessments and Nursing Interventions: Assessments and interventions for airway, circulation, and neuro
- Outcome Criteria and Medication Considerations: Measurable outcomes and relevant medications per concept
- Laboratory Results and Interpretations: ABG, troponin, and CBC results with nursing implications
- Evaluation of Outcome Criteria and Clinical Judgment: Shift outcomes evaluated; clinical judgment for each concept
- Equipment, Risks, and Patient and Family Teaching: IV pump precautions and dialysis adherence teaching
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What makes this paper effective
- The map follows a clear, parallel structure for each of the three priority nursing concepts, making it easy to trace assessment through intervention to evaluation.
- Outcome criteria are measurable and specific (e.g., oxygen saturation >94%, capillary refill <2 seconds, GCS score at 11/15), demonstrating sound clinical reasoning grounded in observable patient data.
- The clinical judgment section distinguishes between fully met and partially met outcomes, with actionable recommendations for each — showing genuine reflective practice rather than rote completion.
Key academic technique demonstrated
This paper demonstrates structured clinical reasoning through a nursing concept map framework. By linking patient history, system-specific assessment, interventions, and evaluation in a logical sequence, the student shows how nurses move from data collection to decision-making. The inclusion of lab values with interpretation (e.g., ABG results confirming adequate ventilation) integrates diagnostic evidence directly into the care plan.
Structure breakdown
The paper is organized in two pages. The first covers patient demographics, admission reason, pertinent history, and the three priority concepts with their assessments, interventions, outcome criteria, relevant medications, and labs. The second page presents patient responses, rationale for interventions, evaluation of outcome criteria, clinical judgment narratives, a lab results table, and a patient/family teaching section. This two-part structure mirrors a real clinical concept map format used in nursing education.
Patient Overview and Priority Concepts
Client: 62-year-old female | Weight: 105 kg | Allergies: Morphine, Percocet
Reason for Admission: Cardiac arrest with subsequent anoxic brain injury.
Pertinent History and Information: The patient refused her last dialysis treatment and collapsed at the dialysis facility. She received CPR and AED shocks on site and was given epinephrine en route to the hospital. She has received all COVID-19 vaccines and is currently on Zofran, Plavix, and Trazodone.
Three priority nursing concepts guide this care plan:
Corresponding overall outcomes are as follows: the patient will maintain a patent airway and adequate oxygenation; the patient will demonstrate stable hemodynamics and adequate tissue perfusion; and the patient will maintain the highest possible level of consciousness and neurological function.
System-Specific Assessments and Nursing Interventions
System-Specific Assessment:
Nursing Interventions:
System-Specific Assessment:
Nursing Interventions:
System-Specific Assessment:
Nursing Interventions:
Outcome Criteria and Medication Considerations
Medication Related to This Concept: Zofran (ondansetron) — administered for nausea prevention, which can affect breathing comfort.
Labs for This Outcome: Arterial blood gases (ABGs), complete blood count (CBC).
Medication Related to This Concept: Plavix (clopidogrel) — as part of antiplatelet therapy.
Labs for This Outcome: Troponin levels; electrolytes (potassium, sodium, calcium); coagulation profile (if on anticoagulant).
Medication Related to This Concept: Trazodone — consider holding if the patient is not fully conscious.
Labs for This Outcome: Serum glucose; serum ammonia (if liver function is a concern); complete metabolic panel.
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