cardiac arrest

Question 1

what is cardiac arrest

Answer 1

the sudden termination of heart function ie no circulation > no oxygen >ischaemia everywhere think brain

Question 2

presentation

Answer 2

unresponsive, not breathing normally, pulseless

Question 3

review of cardiac arrests

Answer 3

most of them are predictable ie there is deterioration in 50-80% of arrests
>preceding hypoxia and hypotension is common

Question 4

what needs done to increase survival of cardiac arrest

Answer 4

• need earlier recognition of abnormal physiology
• proactively identify patients at risk of cardiorespiratory arrest
• prevention is much more important than management
• identify DNAR

Question 5

core standards 1

Answer 5

1. deterioration recognised early with effective help system to prevent arrest
2. arrest recognised early and CPR started immediately
3. help summoned as soon as arrest is recognised
4. defibrillation within 3 minute of arrest
5. appropriate post-arrest care if resuscitated

Question 6

core standards 2

Answer 6

6. the standards are measured continually and identified problems are dealt with
7. at least annual training and updates in CPR
8. staff understanding of decisions relating to CPR
9. appropriate equipment available for resuscitations

Question 7

chain of survival

Answer 7

early recognition and call for help
early CPR
early defibrillation
post resus care

Question 8

be aware of : in hospital management of collapsed/sick patient
and also : adult advanced life support algorithm

Answer 8

just be aware ! revise it now !

Question 9

causes of cardiac arrest

Answer 9

usually oxygen delivery problem

caused by breathing, airway and circulation