Shock This!
This vasopressor is given every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest regardless of rhythm, starting after the second shock for VF/pVT.
What is Epinephrine?
The only medication routinely recommended for asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).
What is Epinephrine?
This anticholinergic medication is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia with hypotension.
What is Atropine?
For stable, narrow-complex SVT, this rapid IV push medication is the first-line treatment.
What is Adenosine?
For hypovolemia as an H, this is the main treatment.
What are IV fluids?
This Class III antiarrhythmic is the first-line medication for refractory VF/pVT after epinephrine.
What is Amiodarone?
If hypovolemia is the suspected cause of PEA, this is the primary "medication" to administer.
What are IV fluids (e.g., Normal Saline, Lactated Ringers)?
If Atropine is ineffective for symptomatic bradycardia, these two medications can be used as continuous infusions.
What are Dopamine and Epinephrine?
When administering Adenosine, it should be followed by a rapid flush of this
What is Normal Saline?
This condition, an "H", can be treated with specific medications like Calcium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, or Insulin/Glucose.
What is Hyperkalemia?
This electrolyte is the treatment for Torsades de Pointes.
What is Magnesium Sulfate?
This medication, commonly used for symptomatic bradycardia, is not indicated for asystole or PEA.
What is Atropine?
The maximum total dose of Atropine recommended for symptomatic bradycardia in ACLS.
What is 3 mg?
If a patient is in unstable tachycardia with a pulse, this immediate intervention takes precedence over medication.
What is Synchronized Cardioversion?
For known or suspected benzodiazepine overdose (a "T"), this antagonist can be administered.
What is Flumazenil?
If Amiodarone is unavailable or contraindicated for refractory VF/pVT, this alternative antiarrhythmic can be used.
What is Lidocaine?
For PEA caused by known or suspected opioid overdose, this antagonist should be administered.
What is Naloxone?
This is the initial IV dose of Atropine for symptomatic bradycardia.
What is 1 mg?
For polymorphic VT with a normal QT interval, without ischemia, this medication may be considered if synchronized cardioversion is ineffective.
What is Amiodarone?
While technically not a "medication," this is the crucial treatment for a tension pneumothorax (a "T").
What is needle decompression or chest tube?
The initial intravenous dose of Amiodarone for refractory VF/pVT is this amount, given as a bolus.
What is 300 mg?
To stabilize cardiac membranes in a patient with suspected hyperkalemia causing PEA, this medication can be given.
What is Calcium Chloride (or Calcium Gluconate)?
Patients with this specific type of high-degree AV block should not receive Atropine, as it can worsen the block and relies on pacing instead.
What is 2nd-degree Mobitz Type II or 3rd-degree AV block?
This beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker may be considered for stable narrow-complex tachycardia if adenosine is ineffective or contraindicated.
What are Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol) or Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Diltiazem, Verapamil)?
This medication, sometimes considered in specific cases like tricyclic antidepressant overdose, helps correct severe metabolic acidosis.
What is Sodium Bicarbonate?