Adult cardiovascular emergencies

Question 1

What is the adult dose for lidocaine in cardiac arrest?

Answer 1

1–1.5 mg/kg every 3 to 5 minutes to a max dose of 300 mg in 30 minutes.

Question 2

What is the adult dose for magnesium sulfate in cardiac arrest? When is it used?

Answer 2

2 g every five minutes.
Consider this first line medication for torsades or in refractory VF/ pulseless VT.
Administer in conjunction with lidocaine if hypomagnesemia is suspected.


Question 3

What is the ketamine dose for CPR induced consciousness?

Answer 3

1–2 mg/kilogram every 5 to 10 minutes.

Question 4

What is the sodium bicarbonate recommendation for adult cardiac arrest?

Answer 4

One mEq/kilogram, and repeat after 10 minutes at .5 mEq/kilogram. Consider dilution in the fluid if administered IO.

Question 5

What is calcium chloride administered IV in the setting of cardiac arrest? And what is the appropriate dose?

Answer 5

This is given for suspected calcium channel blocker overdose, hyperkalemia, or hypocalcemia.

500 to 1000 mg

Afterwards, administer normal sodium bicarbonate dose if hyperkalemia is suspected, but ensure the line is thoroughly flushed first!

Question 6

What is the dose for dextrose in cardiac arrest?

Answer 6

12.5 to 50 g. Consider diluting if given through small IV or IO sight.

Question 7

What is one critical step that can help evaluate the effectiveness of CPR?

Answer 7

ETCO2 Monitoring. If it does not rise over 11, efforts are likely going to be unsuccessful. I ET CO2 suggests effective CPR and possible positive outcome.