PEA/Asystole #1

Some causes of PEA are:

- Hypovolemia; - Hypoxia; - Hydrogen Ion (Acidosis); - Hypothermia; - Hyperkalemia. The two most common causes of PEA are hypovolemia and hypoxia.

The two most important aspects to treating PEA are:

- Provide effective CPR, - Correct the underlying cause of the rhythm.

When hypovolemia is the primary cause of PEA what clues may be noted on assessment?

- narrow complex rapid rate on ECG; - flat neck veins; - dropping blood pressure prior to PEA.

As soon as IV/IO access is available, the patient should be given:

1 mg epinephrine

PEA is defined as:

Any organized rhythm without a palpable pulse.

True/False? In PEA, advanced airway placement is a priority over establishing IV/IO access.

FALSE! Placing an advanced airway is secondary to establishing IV access for several reasons: - adequate ventilation can be given with a BVM (bag valve mask) . - placing an advanced airway is time consuming. - use of IV fluids and medications are interventions for some of the reversible causes of PEA.

True / False? All resuscitation team members must simultaneously conduct a search for an underlying and treatable cause of the PEA in addition to their roles.

True.

During PEA, what step occurs after CPR and medication administration?

rhythm check

When hypoxia is the primary cause of PEA what clues may be noted on assessment?

slow rate on ECG

The H's and T's that are possible causes of PEA include all the following EXCEPT: hypovolemia, toxins, hypoxia, thrombosis hypoglycemia, thrombocytopenia, hypothermia, tamponade, hydrogen ion, tension pneumothorax, hypokalemia, hypothermia

thrombocytopenia and hypoglycemia