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- Adult asystole cardiac arrest: diagnosis, treatment updates
Adult asystole cardiac arrest: diagnosis, treatment updates
Consider the underlying cause of asystole cardiac arrest (electrical activity without impulses). Always, minimize interruption of chest compressions, especially during IV placement.
Initial treatment
Patient care.
Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until the defibrillator is attached and functional.
Use the defibrillator according to the instructions.
Continue CPR when appropriate.
Next treatment
Consider the underlying cause of asystole cardiac arrest (electrical activity without impulses).
Always, minimize interruption of chest compressions, especially during IV placement.
Verify asystole arrest in 2 leads, if possible.
Review and treat underlying causes of asystole cardiac arrest.
If the cause is unknown and asystole arrest persists:
Epinephrine 1: 10,000 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes; Vasopressin 40 units IV may be substituted for the first or second dose of epinephrine 1:10,000.
Complementary treatment
Additional doses of the above drugs.
Sodium Bicarbonate 1 mEq / kg vein.
Atropine 1 mg IV, repeated up to a maximum dose of 3 mg.
Possible causes
Hypothermia.
Hypokalaemia.
Lack of oxygen.
Acidosis.
Toxin.
Coronary/pulmonary thrombosis).
Pressure pneumothorax.
Heart compression.