Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Cause, Signs And Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention, Treatment Options, Nursing. Considerations. Source: Google Images Explore Cardiopulmonary Arrest, causes, signs and symptoms, risk factors, prevention, treatment options, and nursing considerations. Cardiopulmonary Arrest (CPA) is the sudden cessation of effective blood circulation and respiration, resulting in the immediate loss of consciousness. It is a critical medical emergency that, without immediate intervention ( CPR and defibrillation ), leads to death. Cause and Underlying Mechanisms CPA primarily occurs due to a problem with the heart's electrical system , though other causes exist. Cardiac Etiologies (Most Common) Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Atherosclerosis can lead to a Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack), which can trigger a lethal arrhythmia . Arrhythmias : The most common immediate cause of sudden cardiac arrest is an abnormal heart rhythm, particularly Ventricular Fibrillation ...