Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

What is first steps in cardiac arrest?

Answer 1

1. Unresponsive and not breathing properly
2. Call resus team
3. CPR 30:2 and attach defibrillator
4. Assess rhythm

Question 2

What are shockable rhythms?

Answer 2

VF/Pulseless VT

Question 3

What is the protocol if patient in shockable rhythm?

Answer 3

1. 1 shock
2. Immediately resume CPR for 2 min
3. Assess rhythm

Question 4

What other things should be done?

Answer 4

1. Give oxygen
2. Use waveform capnography
3. Continuous compression if advanced airway
4. Minimise interruptions for CPR
5. IV or intraosseous access

Question 5

What drugs are administered when?

Answer 5

1. Give adrenaline every 3-5 min 1mg

2. Give amiodarone after 3 shocks 300mg and consider 150mg after 5 schocks

Question 6

What are the reversible causes?

Answer 6

1. Hypoxia
2. Hypovolaemia
3. Hypo/hyperkalaemia/metabolic
4. Hypo/hyperthermia
5. Thrombosis: coronary or pulmonary
6. Tension pneumothorax
7. Tamponade: cardiac
8. Toxins

Question 7

What should be considered?

Answer 7

1. Coronary angiography/percutaneous coronary intervention
2. Mechanical chest compression to facilitate transfer/treatment
3. Extracorporeal CPR

Question 8

What is done after return of spontaneous circulation?

Answer 8

1. ABCDE
2. Aim for SPO2 of 94-98% and normal PaCO2
3. 12 lead ECG
4. Identify and treat cause
5. Targeted temperature management

Question 9

What are non shockable rhythms?

Answer 9

PEA/Asystole

Question 10

What is done in a non-shockable rhythm?

Answer 10

1. Immediately resume CPR for 2 min

2. Assess rhythm