Bradycardia Flashcards
1
Q
How do you initially assess a patient with bradycardia?
A
ABCDE approach, paying particular attention to:
- Airway and Breathing: RR and sats; give supplemental oxygen if sats < 94
- Circulation: HR, BP, obtain ECG and IV access
2
Q
Which life-threatening signs are you looking out for when assessing a patient with bradycardia?
A
HISS:
- Heart failure
- Ischaemia
- Shock
- Syncope
3
Q
In a patient with bradycardia, when do you…
a) Observe
b) Treat with drugs
A
a) Observation only if no life-threatening signs present and no risk of asystole
b) If life-threatening features are present and/or there is a risk of asystole
4
Q
In which circumstances would you worry about a risk of asystole?
A
- Recent asystole
- Certain types of AV block (including Mobitz type II, 3rd degree heart block)
5
Q
If you need to treat bradycardia, which drug would you initially use?
A
Atropine 500 mcg IV (repeated up to max of 3mg)
