ACLS Flashcards
For an individual in cardiac arrest, what treatment can you use initially?
Epinephrine 1mg IV every 3-5 minutes.
What can you substitute for epinephrine for an individual in cardiac arrest?
Vasopressin 40 units can replace first or second dose epi
What treatment can you use if epinephrine doesn’t work for an individual in cardiac arrest?
Amiodarone. First dose 300mg bolus. Second dose 150 mg bolus
What are reversible causes of cardiac arrest?
Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion, hypo-/hyperkalemia, hypothermia, Tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, toxins, pulmonary thrombosis, coronary thrombosis
What is the heart rate of a person with tachyarrhythmia?
> 150/min
If tachyarrhythmia is causing hypotension, acute altered mental status, signs of shock, ischemic chest discomfort, acute heart failure what should you do
synchronized cardioversion
If a individual with tachyarrhythmia has a regular narrow complex what can you treat with?
Adenosine 6mg rapid IV push; follow with NS flush. Second dose: 12mg if required
If the patient is stable and has a wide QRS (>0.12 sec) what should you do?
IV access and 12 lead ECG, consider antiarrhythmic infusion, adenosine (if regular)
What are the antiarrhythmic infusions for stable wide complex tachycardia?
Procainamide IV, Amiodarone IV, Sotalol IV
What are treatment options for an individual with tachyarrhythmia with narrow complex?
IV and 12 lead, vagal maneuvers, Adenosine (if regular), B-Blocker or CCB
Dosing for procainamide?
20-50mg/min until arrhythmia suppressed, hypotension ensues, complex duration increased >50%, or max does of 17mg/kg given. Maintenance infusion: 1-4 mg/min.
When should you avoid procainamide?
Prolonged QT or CHF
Dosing for Amiodarone?
First dose: 150mg over 10 mins. Repeat if VT recurs. Follow by maintenance infision of 1mg/min for first 6 hours
Dosing for Sotalol?
100 mg (1.5mg/kg) over 5 minutes
When should you avoid sotalol?
Prolonged QT
