What is one intervention for cardiac arrest that aids in circulation prior to medication administration?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential intervention for cardiac arrest as it effectively maintains circulation and provides oxygenation to the brain and vital organs until more definitive measures, such as medication administration or defibrillation, can be executed. When performed correctly, CPR helps create artificial circulation through chest compressions, which generate blood flow and enhance the chances of survival. This manual circulation is crucial because, during cardiac arrest, the heart is not pumping blood effectively, which can lead to rapid deterioration of the body's tissues and organs due to lack of oxygen.

While defibrillation is necessary for restoring normal heart rhythm in certain types of cardiac arrest, it does not aid in circulation when applied before CPR. Intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy support treatment but do not actively create circulation in the immediate context of cardiac arrest. Therefore, CPR remains the primary intervention to promote circulation until further treatment can stabilize the patient.