Peri-operative cardiac arrest

Question 1

What are the causes of perioperative cardiac arrest?

Answer 1

• hypovolaemia
• cardiac problems
• anaesthesia related issues

Question 2

What are the most common rhythms seen in perioperative cardiac arrest?

Answer 2

asystole, VF, PEA

asystole is associated with the best chance of survival in this case

Question 3

What is the incidence of perioperative cardiac arrest?

Answer 3

1:10000

Question 4

What is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in the perioperative period?

Answer 4

neuromuscular blockers

Question 5

What should be given in VF/pVT in patients where there is no defib immediately available?

What is the most common cause for this arrest in this setting?

Answer 5

precordial thump

hypoxaemia/hypovolaemia

Question 6

What is likely to be causing extreme bradycardia in this setting?

Answer 6

Surgical activity causing vagal stimulation

stop surgery

give 0.5mg atropine IV, start CPR

Question 7

What adjustments should be given with adrenaline?

Answer 7

given in increments

50-100mcg IV

Question 8

If anaphylaxis is suspected- what is the dose of adrenaline in this setting?

Answer 8

50mcg boluses according to response