Pulseless electrical activity

Question 1

What is pulseless electrical activity (PEA)?

Answer 1

An organized cardiac rhythm (other than VT) on the monitor that is not accompanied by a detectable pulse.

PEA was previously known as electromechanical dissociation.

Question 2

What does PEA indicate about mechanical ventricular activity?

Answer 2

There is either no mechanical ventricular activity or the mechanical ventricular activity is too weak to produce a palpable pulse.

Question 3

List some conditions that may lead to pulseless electrical activity (PEA).

Answer 3

• Cardiogenic shock
• Hypovolemic shock
• Cardiac tamponade
• Massive pulmonary embolism
• Electrolyte imbalance (including hyperkalemia in renal failure)
• Drug overdose

Question 4

What is the importance of identifying the cause of PEA?

Answer 4

Providing the appropriate treatment for PEA depends on identifying its cause.

Question 5

True or False: PEA is a shockable cardiac arrest rhythm.

Answer 5

False