Memory Joggers: ACLS Pulseless Electrical Activity
Reviewed 8-2004
- Assess responsiveness
- Active EMS
- Call for defibrillator
- Head tilt, chin left, look, listen & feel for breathing
- Give 2 breaths
- Look for signs of circulation including a pulse
- No pulse, start CPR at a rate of 15:2
- Attach monitor with Quick combo patches
- Identify rhythm without a pulse
- Continue CPR
- Intubate and confirm with 5 point auscultation & end CO2 detector (if available)
- Start IV in antecubital with large angio cath
- Consider and treat the causes: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Cardiac tamonade, Tension pneumothorax, Hypothermia, Pulmonary embolism, Drug overdoeses, hyperkalemia, Acidosis, Myocardial infarction
- Epinephrine 1mg. IV push, repeat every 3-5 min.
- Check pulse. Contiue CPR
- If PEA rate is slow, give atropine 1 mg IV. Repeat every 3-5 min to a total of 0.04 mg/kg (about 3 doses)
- Check pulse. Continue CPR
- Sodium bicarbonate 1 mEq/kg if patient has known preexisting hyperkalemia. Ventilate patient well.
To: ACLS Intravenous Medicated Infusions
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