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Cardiac Arrest: Difference between revisions
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* <b>Drowning: </b>Drowning is a common cause of accidental death. Correction of hypoxia is critical in the outcome of these victims. Care should be taken to start immediate resuscitation and restore oxygenation, ventilation and perfusion. | * <b>Drowning: </b>Drowning is a common cause of accidental death. Correction of hypoxia is critical in the outcome of these victims. Care should be taken to start immediate resuscitation and restore oxygenation, ventilation and perfusion. | ||
* <b>Electrocution:</b> Electrocution can result in multi-system injury and usually occur in the workspace in adult or at home in children. The direct effects of an electric shock on tissues, for instance paralysis of the respiratory system or muscles, VF in the myocardium, ischemia due to coronary artery spasm or asystole can result in a cardiac arrest. Electrical burns can complicate the resuscitation and care should be taken to avoid further complications resulting from these burns. Adequate fluid therapy is required if there is significant tissue destruction. | * <b>Electrocution:</b> Electrocution can result in multi-system injury and usually occur in the workspace in adult or at home in children. The direct effects of an electric shock on tissues, for instance paralysis of the respiratory system or muscles, VF in the myocardium, ischemia due to coronary artery spasm or asystole can result in a cardiac arrest. Electrical burns can complicate the resuscitation and care should be taken to avoid further complications resulting from these burns. Adequate fluid therapy is required if there is significant tissue destruction. | ||
* <b>Electrolyte disorder:</b> Electrolyte abnormalities are commonly | * <b>Electrolyte disorder:</b> Electrolyte abnormalities are among the most common causes of cardiac arrhythmias. Potassium disorders are commonly seen, especially hyperkalaemia has a high risk of malignant arrhythmias. During cardiac arrest treatment of these abnormalities is no different than in the normal clinical setting, and aggressive treatment of the elektrolyte disorder should be initiated. | ||
* <b>Hyperthermia:</b> Exogenous or endogenous hyperthermia can result in heat stress, progressing to heat exhaustion and results in heat stroke. Heat stroke can lead to varying levels of organ dysfunction accompanied by mental changes. Rapid cooling of the victim should occur as soon as possible. | * <b>Hyperthermia:</b> Exogenous or endogenous hyperthermia can result in heat stress, progressing to heat exhaustion and results in heat stroke. Heat stroke can lead to varying levels of organ dysfunction accompanied by mental changes. Rapid cooling of the victim should occur as soon as possible. | ||
* <b>Hypothermia:</b> In hypothermia (<35oC) it is difficult to detect signs of life. Therefore resuscitation should proceed according to standard protocols. Resuscitation during hypothermia is difficult, the thorax is stiff and the heart is less responsive to medication. Furthermore drug metabolism is slowed, resulting in increased plasma levels of medication. Medication should be administered at double intervals. As a result of rewarming vasodilatation occurs and fluid administration may be required. Rhythm disturbances usually seen after hypothermia are bradycardia, atrial fibrillation followed by VF and asystole. Second to resuscitation warming of the body temperature by external and internal methods should be started. | * <b>Hypothermia:</b> In hypothermia (<35oC) it is difficult to detect signs of life. Therefore resuscitation should proceed according to standard protocols. Resuscitation during hypothermia is difficult, the thorax is stiff and the heart is less responsive to medication. Furthermore drug metabolism is slowed, resulting in increased plasma levels of medication. Medication should be administered at double intervals. As a result of rewarming vasodilatation occurs and fluid administration may be required. Rhythm disturbances usually seen after hypothermia are bradycardia, atrial fibrillation followed by VF and asystole. Second to resuscitation warming of the body temperature by external and internal methods should be started. | ||