withholding resuscitation

Question 1

what are the steps for deciding to stop resuscitation? 3

Answer 1

• mass casualty?
• is there no prospect for resus?
• is there compelling reason to withhold?

Question 2

what is the criteria for prolonged cardiac arrest? 2

Answer 2

• is there clear evidence of decomposition?

- adult presenting with asystole for over 30 seconds with ondset priour to arrival greater than 10 minutes.

Question 3

what are compelling reasons to continue? 5

Answer 3

• hypothermia
• drug OD
• Child
• pt in VT or VF
• family has requested to continue.

Question 4

when should you cease resuscitation? 3

Answer 4

adult who resuscitation has been performed on for 30 to 45 mins. no pupil reaction, no agonal resps.

Question 5

what is the criteria for a dead person? 5

Answer 5

No carotid pulse
No heart sounds over 2 mins 
No breath sounds over 2 mins
fixed and dilated pupils 
No response to painful stimulus 
Asystole 2mins