Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

What is cardiac arrest?

Answer 1

Cessation of the heart

There is complete lack of circulation and oxygen delivery

Question 2

What is the chain of survival?

Answer 2

• Early recognition
• Early CPR
• Early defibrillation
• Post resuscitative care

Question 3

Which drug is given in the instance of bradycardia and potential failure of oxygen delivery?

Answer 3

Atropine

(or bets-stimulant such as ephedrine)

Question 4

In the instance of a potential cardiac arrest, what can be done to increase blood pressure?

Answer 4

• IV fluids
• Raise legs

Question 5

What are two methods to determine SaO₂?

Answer 5

1. ABG
2. Pulse oximetry

Question 6

If a patient has difficulty breathing because their airway is not open what should be done?

Answer 6

Head tilt chin lift

Question 7

How can breathing problems be investigated?

Answer 7

Look, listen, feel

• Look - respiratory distress, accessory muscles, cyanosis, high RR, chest deformity, level of conciousness
• Listen - noisy breathing and breath sounds
• Feel - chest expansion, percussion, tracheal position

Question 8

If a patient is critically ill with a heart problem and they have low blood pressure what will their capillary refill time likely be?

Answer 8

Likely high

Question 9

What is the ABCDE approach to cardiac arrest?

Answer 9

• Assess airway and breathing
• Oxygen
• Check circulation
• IV access - take blood, fluids
• Inotropes
• Morphine
• Nitrates
• Aspirin

Question 10

What is disability in ABCDE and how is it recognised and treated?

Answer 10

Refers to neurological function

Regcoginised by: AVPU, Glasgow Coma Scale, and pupil dilation

Treated by ABC

The undelying cause must be treated such as low blood glucose

The lateral recovery position could be used

Question 11

Which types of heart rhythms are shockable?

Answer 11

Ventricular fibrillation

Ventricular tachycardia (pulseless)

Question 12

For ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachcardia what is the treatment process?

Answer 12

• CPR for two minutes between shocks
• After each 2 minute sequence of CPR reassess rhythm
• After 3rd shock give adrenaline (1mg IV) and amiodarone (300mg)
• After each alternate stroke adrenaline can be given

Question 13

How is non-VF/VT treated?

Answer 13

This is asystole and pulseless electrical activity

Adrenaline (1mg IV) should be given as soon as possible and every 3-5 minutes after (every 2 cycles of CPR)

Question 14

When would CPR be stopped?

Answer 14

• DNR
• Return of spontaneous circulation
• When it appears useless