chest thump

chest thump

Etymology: AS, cest, box

a sharp blow delivered to the chest in the precordial area to restore a normal heartbeat after cardiac arrest.

thump

(thump)

A punch or blow to the center of the sternum with the fist or a mechanical device.

chest thump

Precordial thump.

precordial thump

A forceful punch delivered to a patient’s sternum in an attempt to terminate a lethal cardiac rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

CAUTION!

This procedure is not routinely used. The critical time it consumes during resuscitation may be better used by starting chest compressions and assigning a second rescuer to obtain an automated external defibrillator.

Synonym: chest thump