Lethal Rhythms
Medication
Dose
Nursing Role
100

When the heart's system fails entirely, thereby causes the heart to stop

Asystole

100

Alpha 1 adrenoceptor agonist used to increase arterial blood pressure and coronary perfusion

Epinephrine 

100

Given 1mg every 3-5mins

Epinephrine

100

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

200

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)

200

Reverses the cholinergic-mediated decrease in heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, and blood pressure

Atropine

200

Comes in a 50ml syringe or vial and administered at the discretion of the provider 

8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate 

200

- 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

300

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)

300

Used as a buffer to off set high acid production

Sodium Bicarbonate

300

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 

300

- Clear roles and responsibilities- recording, medication, CPR 

- Know limitations

- Knowledge sharing

- Closed loop communication

- Clear message

Team dynamic

400

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

400

Regulates myocardial and coronary circulatory function by dilating coronary vessels, slowing down heart rate, and decreasing blood pressure; said to "reset the heart".

Adenosine

400

First dose: 0.5mg bolus, repeat every 3-5mins. 

Max dose: 3mg

Atropine

400

Place this device under the patient improves the effectiveness of compressions

Back board

500

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

500

Antiarrhythmic that works directly on the heart tissue to slow the nerve impulses. 

Amiodarone 

500

First dose: 300mg over 10mins, repeat as needed.

Maintenance infusion: 1mg/min for first 6 hours

Amiodarone

500

Ensuring proper _______ placement is imperative.

Hand