Study 8 ECG and Resuscitation Case Practice with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
What should guide ECG interpretation before the rhythm strip alone?
Assess responsiveness and pulse first, then interpret the rhythm alongside perfusion and clinical stability; a monitor rhythm alone does not prove a pulse or adequate perfusion.
Which adult cardiac-arrest rhythms are shockable?
Ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia are shockable. Asystole and pulseless electrical activity are nonshockable.
What are key features of high-quality adult CPR?
Compress at 100–120 per minute, to a depth of at least 5 cm, allow full recoil, and minimize interruptions. Avoid excessive ventilation.
How is pulseless electrical activity managed initially?
PEA is electrical activity without a palpable pulse. It is nonshockable; continue CPR, give epinephrine as soon as feasible, and search for reversible causes.
Which reversible causes should be considered in PEA or asystole?
Consider hypovolemia, hypoxia, acidosis, potassium abnormalities, hypothermia, tension pneumothorax, tamponade, toxins, pulmonary thrombosis, and coronary thrombosis.
What is the urgent treatment approach for unstable tachyarrhythmia with a pulse?
Prepare for synchronized cardioversion. Sedate when feasible, but do not delay urgent treatment for a deteriorating patient.
What initial options are listed for stable regular narrow-complex tachycardia?
For a stable, regular narrow-complex rhythm, consider vagal maneuvers and adenosine: 6 mg rapid IV push followed by a flush, then 12 mg if needed.
How should stable wide-complex tachycardia be approached?
Monitor closely, obtain a 12-lead ECG if available, seek expert consultation, and consider an antiarrhythmic infusion. Reassess stability as treatment is prepared.
When may adenosine be considered for wide-complex tachycardia?
Adenosine may be considered only when the wide-complex rhythm is both regular and monomorphic.
How is polymorphic VT treated when a shock is needed?
Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia cannot be reliably synchronized; treat it as a shockable rhythm with an unsynchronized shock.
What determines whether bradycardia needs treatment?
Treat the patient’s perfusion and signs of cardiopulmonary compromise, not a rate threshold alone. Bradycardia is commonly below 50 per minute.
What atropine regimen is listed for persistent symptomatic bradycardia?
The listed dose is atropine 1 mg IV, repeated every 3–5 minutes to a maximum total of 3 mg. If ineffective, use pacing and/or dopamine or epinephrine infusion as appropriate.