Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

Cardiac arrest

Answer 1

Severe medical emergency - cessation of functional circulaton.
Failure of hearts pumping action.

Question 2

Reversible causes of cardiac arrest

Answer 2

4H & 4T
- hypoxia
- hypovolaemia
- hypotheramia
- hypoglycaemia, hypo/hyperkalaemia
- thrombosis
- tension pneumothorax
- tamponade
- toxins

Question 3

Aetiology & Risk Factors for Cardiac Arrest

Answer 3

• MI
• coronary artery disease
• electrolyte imbalance
• trauma

Question 4

Types of cardiac arrest

Answer 4

Shockable:
- ventricular fibrillation
- ventricular tachy (pulseless)

Non-shockable:
- asystole
- pulseless electrical activity

Question 5

Clinical features of cardiac arrest

Answer 5

• pulseless
• unconsciouss
• not breathing

Question 6

Managing cardiac arrest

Answer 6

1. CPR (30:2)
2. Attach defib (give 1 shock - VF/VT)
3. Resume CPR (2 mins)
4. Gain IV access
5. Medical management for shockable/non-shockable

Question 7

Managing non-shockable rhythms in cardiac arrest

Answer 7

1. CPR (30:2), attach defib
2. No shock advised -> 1mg adrenaline ASAP
3. Repeat every 3-5mins

Question 8

Managing shockable rhythms in cardiac arrest

Answer 8

1. CPR (30:2), attach defib
2. Shock advised -> shock x3
3. After 3rd shock, give 1mg adrenaline & 300mg amiodarone
4. Repeat adrenaline every 3-5mins
5. After 5th shock, give 150mg amiodarone