What are the indications of a cardiac arrest?

In the context of recognizing a cardiac arrest, the primary indications include the absence of a pulse and signs of breathing. When a cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops effectively pumping blood, which results in the immediate loss of pulse. Additionally, without effective heart function, the individual will not be able to breathe normally, leading to a cessation of respiratory efforts. This combination of no pulse and no breathing is critical for diagnosing cardiac arrest, as it necessitates immediate resuscitation efforts, such as CPR or the use of an AED.

The other options describe symptoms that might indicate different medical conditions but do not directly indicate cardiac arrest. High blood pressure and confusion may suggest other issues like hypertensive crises or stroke, increased heart rate and sweating could point to stress, anxiety, or other forms of cardiac distress, and pain in the arm along with fainting may indicate angina or the onset of a heart attack. None of these signs would confirm the state of cardiac arrest.