Cardiac arrest Flashcards
What is the definition of cardiopulmonary arrest?
Cessation of cardiac function with the pt displaying no pulse, no breathing, and unresponsiveness
What are the possible primary causes of CA?
AMI/IHD/CHF
Cardiomyopathy
Pericarditis
Valvular stenosis
What are the possible secondary causes of CA?
Acute asthma Tension pneumothorax Drug OD Drowning Trauma Electrolyte imbalance Anaphylaxis Electrocution
List the steps in the chain of survival
Early intervention Access CPR Defibrillation ACLS Post-resus care
What is the compression to breaths ratio for paeds?
15:2
In paediatric arrests which is done first, ventilation or compressions? Justify your answer
Ventilation, as bradycardia is usually due to hypoxia
How does the QAS calculate paediatric body weight?
(age x 3) + 7
When is CPR indicated for a newborn (minutes/hours post birth)?
When HR is <60bpm despite ventilation for 30 seconds
How are compressions performed on a newborn?
Compress with two thumbs on lower third of the sternum
What is the ratio of compressions to breaths for a newborn?
3:1
When should an advanced airway be applied in CA?
After 6 minutes (3 cycles) unless traumatic (immediately in trauma settings)
How much adrenaline should be given when an adult pt is in a shockable rhythm and when?
1mg after the 2nd shock then every 3-5 minutes
List the H’s
Hypoxia
Hypovolaemia
Hyper/hypokalaemia/metabolic disorders
Hypo/hyperthermia
List the T’s
Tension pneumothorax
Tamponade
Toxins
Thrombosis (pulmonary/coronary/CVA)
What is included in post-resuscitative care?
- Reassess
- 12 lead ECG
- Rx precipitating causes
- Aim for SpO2 94-98% and normocapnia
- BGL mx
- Temp mx
How much adrenaline should be given when a paediatric pt is in a shockable rhythm and when?
10mcg/kg after 2nd shock then every 3-5 minutes
How much adrenaline should be given when a paediatric pt is in a non-shockable rhythm and when?
10 mcg/kg immediately then every 3-5 minutes
How much adrenaline should be given when an adut pt is in a non-shockable rhythm and when?
1mg immediately then every 3-5 minutes
Provide a rationale for defibrillation
Defibrillation produces simultaneous depolarisation of a critical mass of the myocardium and may enable the resumption of coordinated electrical activity
How much of the myocardium does defibrillation need to send into absolute refractory for it to be successful?
A critical mass of >70%