What is an appropriate treatment for respiratory arrest?

Administering positive pressure oxygen is an appropriate treatment for respiratory arrest because it directly addresses the lack of adequate respiration. In cases of respiratory arrest, oxygen delivery to the tissues becomes critically low, leading to potential organ damage and eventual death if not treated promptly. By providing positive pressure ventilation, such as through a bag-mask device or mechanical ventilator, oxygen can be effectively delivered to the lungs and subsequently to the bloodstream, facilitating gas exchange and restoring oxygenation to the body.

Other options may have their place in emergency protocols but do not specifically target the immediate need for oxygenation in respiratory arrest. For example, while CPR is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest, it does not specifically resolve respiratory failure unless the heart is not pumping effectively in conjunction with the respiratory issue. Epinephrine may be used in a variety of emergency situations, particularly in advanced life support scenarios, but it does not address the immediate respiratory needs. Applying cold packs is not relevant in the context of respiratory failure and would not help restore adequate gas exchange in a patient who is not breathing. Thus, the focus on providing positive pressure oxygen highlights the urgency of restoring adequate ventilation in respiratory arrest situations.