Pulseless Electrical Activity

Question 1

Hypovolemia as a cause

Answer 1

not enough blood flow to heart = can’t pump efficiently

Question 2

Hypoxia as a cause

Answer 2

not enough oxygen to heart = not pumping efficiently

Question 3

Hydrogen ion accumulation as a cause

Answer 3

Acidotic blood

Question 4

Hypothermia as a cause

Answer 4

body way too cold to work

Question 5

Hyperkalemia or Hypokalemia as a cause

Answer 5

potassium imbalances cause dysrhythmias

Question 6

Toxins as a cause

Answer 6

overdose (accidentally or deliberate)

Question 7

Tamponade as a cause

Answer 7

fluid accumulates in pericardial sac and compresses heart (decrease in CO –> shock)

Question 8

Tension pneumothorax as a cause

Answer 8

pushes on heart

Question 9

Thrombosis in coronary arteries as a cause

Answer 9

blockage (partial or complete)

Question 10

Thrombosis in pulmonary arteries as a cause

Answer 10

not enough O2 return

Question 11

Key point about pulseless electrical activity

Answer 11

a defibrillator will NOT correct it. BLS and ACLS needs to occur

Question 12

How to treat pulseless electrical activity

Answer 12

chest compressions (move that blood around while you can), epinephrine q 3-5 min, look for any reversible causes and treat those (fluids for hypovolemia, antidote for poisoning, rewarming for hypothermia, potassium replacement for hypokalemia)