February 4, 2016 - Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

Initial Management of Cardiac Arrest

Answer 1

C - chest compressions

A - airway

B - breathing

D - defibrillation

D - diagnosis

Question 2

Ventricular Fibrillation

Answer 2

Is a condition in which there is uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the ventricles, making them quiver.

The most commonly identified arrythmia in cardiac arrest patients.

Question 3

Ventricular Fibrillation - Etiology

Answer 3

Ischemic heart disease

Antiarrhythmic drugs

Severe hypoxia

Electrocution

Drug toxicity

Congenital heart disease

Cardiomyopathies

Question 4

Pulseless Electrical Activity

Answer 4

Is a clinical diagnosis of cardiac arrest in which a heart rhythm is observed on the electrocardiogram that should be producing a pulse, but is not.

There is eletrical activity, but the heart does not contract. This results in insufficient cardiac output to generate a pulse and supply blood to the organs.

CPR is required with epinephrine.

Question 5

Pulseless Electrical Activity - Etiology

Answer 5

PEA may be caused by…

Hypovolemia

Hypoxemia

Acidosis

Hypothermia

Thrombosis

Tension pneumothorax

Tamponade

Question 6

Asystole

Answer 6

Also known as a flatline, is a state of no cardiac electrical activity.

This is a very poor prognostic sign and there is less than a 1% chance of regaining perfusing rhythm if asystole is the initial rhythm.

Ensure it is truly asystole by checking the leads.

Epinephrine is the mainstay of treatment.

Question 7

Torsades de Pointes

Answer 7

A type of abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. It is a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that exhibits distinct characteristics on the ECG.

If the patient is unstable, defibrillate them.

Question 8

Dysrhythmia Scheme

Answer 8