Cardiac Arrest Flashcards
What is cardiac arrest?
Cessation of the heart
There is complete lack of circulation and oxygen delivery
What is the chain of survival?
- Early recognition
- Early CPR
- Early defibrillation
- Post resuscitative care
Which drug is given in the instance of bradycardia and potential failure of oxygen delivery?
Atropine
(or bets-stimulant such as ephedrine)
In the instance of a potential cardiac arrest, what can be done to increase blood pressure?
- IV fluids
- Raise legs
What are two methods to determine SaO2?
- ABG
- Pulse oximetry
If a patient has difficulty breathing because their airway is not open what should be done?
Head tilt chin lift
How can breathing problems be investigated?
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
If a patient is critically ill with a heart problem and they have low blood pressure what will their capillary refill time likely be?
Likely high
What is the ABCDE approach to cardiac arrest?
- Assess airway and breathing
- Oxygen
- Check circulation
- IV access - take blood, fluids
- Inotropes
- Morphine
- Nitrates
- Aspirin
What is disability in ABCDE and how is it recognised and treated?
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
Which types of heart rhythms are shockable?
Ventricular fibrillation
Ventricular tachycardia (pulseless)
For ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachcardia what is the treatment process?
- 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
How is non-VF/VT treated?
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)
When would CPR be stopped?
- DNR
- Return of spontaneous circulation
- When it appears useless