Advanced Life Support Flashcards
Describe ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Chaotic, uncoordinated electrical activity
In cardiac arrest what is the rhythm?
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
Although the rhythm shows 3rd degree heart block the fact that the patient is in cardiac arrest makes it pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
Describe pulseless electrical activity
Any rhythm that would be expected to have a pulse that doesn’t.
Classically shown as NSR but can be any (non-shockable) rhythm with a QRS.
When should adrenaline be administered on the shockable side of the algorithm?
After the 3rd shock
What is the correct depth for chest compressions?
5-6cm
When should we interrupt our 2 minutes of CPR?
Only if the patient shows PHYSICAL signs of life
In cardiac arrest what is the rhythm?
Ventricular fibrilation (VF) - fine
What is the correct rate for chest compressions?
100-120 per minute
If after 2 minutes of CPR you paused for a rhythm check and saw this what would you do next and why?
Its VT so briefly check for a pulse (to make sure its pVT) and if no pulse immedately shock and restart CPR 30:2 for 2 minutes
In cardiac arrest what is the rhythm?
Ventricular fibrilation (VF)
What is the ration of compressions to ventilation?
30:2
In cardiac arrest what is the rhythm?
Pulesless electircal activity (PEA)
Although the rhythm is normal sinus rhythm the fact that the patient is in cardiac arrest makes it pulseless electical activity (PEA)
If after 2 minutes of CPR you paused for a rhythm check and saw this what would you do next and why?
Check for a pulse to confirm whether there was a return of circulation or if we were in PEA
After delivery of a shock what is the first thing that should be done?
Immediately restarting CPR 30:2 for 2 min
When should amiodarone be administered?
After the 3rd shock (straight after the adrenaline) A further 1/2 dose can be given after the 5th shock
What is the dose of amiodarone in cardiac arrest?
300mg IV/IO
Describe ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Rapid broad-complex rhythm
If immdiately after a shock you saw this rhythm what would you do?
Continue CPR 30:2 for 2 minutes and then check for a pulse
It is not a sign of life it is only a change in rhythm
In cardiac arrest what is the rhythm?
Torsades de pointes (TdP)
Treat as pVT/VF
What are the shockable cardiac arrest rhythms?
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)
In cardiac arrest what is the rhythm?
Asystole
When should adrenaline be administered on the non-shockable side of the algorithm?
As soon as vascular access is available
If after 2 minutes of CPR you paused for a rhythm check and saw this what would you do next and why?
Its asystole so immediately resart CPR 30:2 for 2 min
No nee for a pulse check as aystole will never have a pulse
Describe asystole
Absence of ventricular activity (QRS complex)
In cardiac arrest what is the rhythm?
Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)
In cardiac arrest what is the rhythm?
Asystole
P waves persisting but no QRS
What is the dose of adrenaline in cardiac arrest?
1mg IV/IO (10ml of 1:10,000)
What are the non-shockable cardiac arrest rhythms?
Asystole Pulseless electrical activity
If after 2 minutes of CPR you paused for a rhythm check and saw this what would you do next and why?
It’s VF so shock and then immediately restart CPR 30:2 for 2 min.
No need for a pulse check as VF will never have one
How frequently should adrenaline be administered after the initial dose?
Every 3-5 minutes (every alternate 2 minute loop)
