1. Advanced Life Support Flashcards
What are the 2 shockable rhythms?
VT and VF
What are the 2 non-shockable rhythms?
Non-shockable asystole and PEA/EMD (pulseless electrical activity)
What are the 4 Ts?
- Tamponade: pericardial
- Tension pneumothorax
- Toxins, poisons, drugs
- Thrombosis: pulmonary or coronary
What are the 4 Hs?
- Hypoxaemia
- Hypovolaemia
- Hypo or hyperthermia
- Hypo or hyperkalaemia
Action: adrenaline
Causes peripheral vasoconstriction and thought to facilitate defibrillation by improving blood flow
Action: amioderone
Blockage of potassium channels and increased conduction , prolonged refractory period
Action: atropine
Parasympathetic antagonist: blocks action of vagus nerve
Action: sodium bicarbonate
Systemic alkalising agent: increases plasma bicarb and buffers excess H+
Indications: adrenaline
Immediately - non shockable rhythm VF
VF/VT - after 2nd shock
Indications: amioderone
VF/pulseless VT when defib and adrenaline has failed. Increases vasodilation and decreased HR and contractilitiy
Indications: Atropine
No longer recommended systole or cardiac arrest
Indications: Sodium bicarbonate
Severe metabolic acidosis, hyperkalaemia
Adverse effects: adrenaline
Tachycardia, dyspnoea
Adverse effects: amioderone
Hypotension, bradycardia, heart block
Adverse effects: atropine
Tachycardia, palpitations
Adverse effects: sodium bicarbonate
Alkalosis, hypernatraemia
Dose: adrenaline
1mg IVI (1;1000)
Dose: amioderone
300mg after 3rd shock
Dose: atropine
500 - 600mcg every 3-5 min (up to 3mg)
Dose: sodium bicarbonate
IV 1mmol/kg over 2/3 min
