Cardiac Arrest Flashcards
Define cardiac arrest
acute cessation of cardiac function
Explain the aetiology and risk factors of cardiac arrest
The REVERSIBLE causes of cardiac arrest can be summarised as the 4 Hs and 4 Ts
FOUR Hs
Hypothermia
Hypoxia
Hypovolaemia
Hypokalaemia/Hyperkalaemia
FOUR Ts
Toxins (and other metabolic disorders (drugs, therapeutic agents, sepsis))
Thromboembolic
Tamponade
Tension pneumothorax
Summarise the epidemiology of cardiac arrest
None available
Recognise the presenting symptoms of cardiac arrest
Management precedes or is concurrent to history
Cardiac arrest is usually sudden but some symptoms that may preceded by fatigue, fainting, blackouts, dizziness
Recognise the signs of cardiac arrest on physical examination
Unconscious
Not breathing
Absent carotid pulses
Identify appropriate investigations for cardiac arrest
Cardiac Monitor
Allows classification of the rhythm
Bloods
ABG
U&E
FBC
X-match
Clotting
Toxicology screen
Blood glucose
Generate a management plan for cardiac arrest
SAFETY IS IMPORTANT
Approach any arrest scene with caution
The cause of the arrest may pose a threat
Defibrillators and oxygen are hazards
- Basic Life Support
- Advanced Life Support
Treatment of REVERSIBLE causes
Hypothermia - warm slowly
Hypokalaemia and Hyperkalaemia - correction of electrolyte levels
Hypovolaemia - IV colloids, crystalloids and blood products
Tamponade - pericardiocentesis
Tension Pneumothorax - aspiration or chest drain
Thromboembolism - treat as PE or MI
Toxins - use antidote for given toxin
Identify the possible complications of cardiac arrest
Irreversible hypoxic brain damage
Death
Summarise the prognosis for patients with cardiac arrest
Resuscitation is less successful if cardiac arrest happens outside the hospital
Increased duration of inadequate effective cardiac output –> poor prognosis
