A simplified and structured teaching tool for the evaluation and management of pulseless electrical activity.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2014
Abstract
Cardiac arrest victims who present with pulseless electrical activity (PEA) usually have a grave prognosis. Several conditions, however, have cause-specific treatments which, if applied immediately, can lead to quick and sustained recovery. Current teaching focuses on recollection of numerous conditions that start with the letters H or T as potential causes of PEA. This teaching method is too complex, difficult to recall during resuscitation, and does not provide guidance to the most effective initial interventions. This review proposes a structured algorithm that is based on the differentiation of the PEA rhythm into narrow- or wide-complex subcategories, which simplifies the working differential and initial treatment approach. This, in conjunction with bedside ultrasound, can quickly point towards the most likely cause of PEA and thus guide resuscitation.
Volume
23
Issue
1
First Page
1
Last Page
6
ISSN
1423-0151
Published In/Presented At
Littmann, L., Bustin, D. J., & Haley, M. W. (2014). A simplified and structured teaching tool for the evaluation and management of pulseless electrical activity. Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre, 23(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1159/000354195
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
23949188
Department(s)
Department of Emergency Medicine
Document Type
Article