Cardiac arrest in pregnancy

Question 1

3 major causes of cardiac arrest in pregnancy

Answer 1

obstetric haemorrhage

sepsis

PE

Question 2

obstetric haemorrhage

sepsis

PE

Answer 2

compression of the aorta and the IVC by the gravid uterus

Question 3

what is the management of aortocaval compression?

Answer 3

place the patient in the left lateral position

Question 4

position of pregnant patient during CPR

Answer 4

15 degree tilt to the left

Question 5

2 parts of CPR which are started earlier than normal if the patient is pregnant

Answer 5

intubation (airway is difficult)

early supplementary oxygen (increased O2 requirements)

Question 6

how is fluid resuscitation different in pregnancy?

Answer 6

aggressive fluid resus; remember that there is oedema in pregnancy

Question 7

how long should CPR be performed before an immediate C-section is performed?

Answer 7

4 minutes (with an aim to deliver the baby within 5 minutes)

Question 8

why is a C-section performed after 4 minutes of unsuccessful CPR?

Answer 8

it improves the survival of the mother

(it also improves the survival of the foetus in most cases, but the primary intention is to improve the survival of the mother)