PEA and Asystole Algorithm

Question 1

What does it mean to have PEA?

Answer 1

There is organized electrical activity visible on the monitor, but no pulse.

Question 2

What is your first line drug of choice for PEA?

Answer 2

Epinephrine 1 mg. 1:10000

Question 3

What are H’s and T’s?

Answer 3

Hypoxia
Hypovolemia
Hydrogen ions
Hyperkalemia
Hypo and hyperthermia
Hypo and hyperglycemia
Tension pneumothorax
Cardiac Tamponade
Toxins
Cardiac or pulmonary Thrombosis

Question 4

What is hypoxia?

Answer 4

Low o2 level in tissues

Question 5

How much fluid do you give in a fluid bolus? What do you need to check while doing so?

Answer 5

20 mL/kg 500 mL at a time, check for lung sounds throughout

Question 6

What would correct acidosis?

Answer 6

Sodium bicarbonate 1 mEq/kg

Question 7

What would correct hyperkalemia?

Answer 7

Calcium gluconate 1 g.

Question 8

What is a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 8

One lung collapsed

Question 9

What are the two steps that change in the asystole algorithm from PEA?

Answer 9

Check EKG in two leads, to make sure it’s not fine v-fib

After 15-20 minutes of work, consider termination of efforts

Question 10

What are the steps for PEA algorithm?

Answer 10

CAB
CPR and monitor
IV IO ET
Epinephrine q 3-5 minutes
Look for treatable causes