Lethal Rhythms
When the heart's system fails entirely, thereby causes the heart to stop
Asystole
Alpha 1 adrenoceptor agonist used to increase arterial blood pressure and coronary perfusion
Epinephrine
Given 1mg every 3-5mins
Epinephrine
Push at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100 - 120 per min, allowing full chest recoil, for 2 mins.
Minimize interruptions in compressions
Avoid excessive ventilation
Rotate compressor every 2 mins or sooner if needed
CPR Quality
Caused by either an abnormal heart circuit within the ventricular muscles or an autogenerated ventricular muscle abnormality; this lethal cardiac rhythm is characterized by as a wide complex arrhythmia with three or more consecutive beats at a rate of more than 100 beats per min
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Reverses the cholinergic-mediated decrease in heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, and blood pressure
Atropine
Comes in a 50ml syringe or vial and administered at the discretion of the provider
8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate
- Loss or thready pulse (carotid or femoral)
- Absent or extremely low BP
- Hypoxia with cyanosis
- Seizures
- "Death like appearance"
Sing and symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
An arrhythmia that starts in the ventricles characterized by an electrical instability within the heart causing it to quiver. This arrhythmia occurs most commonly during or shortly after an acute heart attack.
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
Used as a buffer to off set high acid production
Sodium Bicarbonate
First dose: 6mg rapid IV push followed by a normal saline flush.
Second dose (if needed): 12mg rapid IV push followed by a normal saline flush
Adenosine
- Clear roles and responsibilities- recording, medication, CPR
- Know limitations
- Knowledge sharing
- Closed loop communication
- Clear message
Team dynamic
This polymorphic arrhythmia occurs when the atria and ventricles become asynchronous and is characterized by gradual changes in the amplitude and twisting of the QRS complex around the isoelectric line.
Torsads de Pointes
Regulates myocardial and coronary circulatory function by dilating coronary vessels, slowing down heart rate, and decreasing blood pressure; said to "reset the heart".
Adenosine
First dose: 0.5mg bolus, repeat every 3-5mins.
Max dose: 3mg
Atropine
Place this device under the patient improves the effectiveness of compressions
Back board
An arrhythmia that originates from the AV node or His bundle and is characterized by a inverted P waves before, after, or within the QRS and a heart rate between 40-60bpm.
Junctional rhythm
Antiarrhythmic that works directly on the heart tissue to slow the nerve impulses.
Amiodarone
First dose: 300mg over 10mins, repeat as needed.
Maintenance infusion: 1mg/min for first 6 hours
Amiodarone
Ensuring proper _______ placement is imperative.
Hand