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Cardiac Arrest

Jacquelyn Kulinski, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • The absence of effective mechanical cardiac activity leading to tissue hypoperfusion and cell death

  • This section is not a substitute for an American Heart Association (AHA)-approved a...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Absence of pulses in large arteries or on arterial line

  • Apnea or agonal breathing

  • Loss of consciousness

HISTORY

  • Witnessed versus unwitnessed

  • Approximate downtime

  • Initial resuscitation efforts and ...

TREATMENT

  • C-A-B (circulation, airway, breathing). Use compressions and then check airway and breathing.

  • Prompt initiation of high-quality CPR, particularly chest compressions (in adults, target of 120 ...

ONGOING CARE

  • Most patients who present in arrest but who achieve ROSC will need admission to the intensive care unit.

  • In the first few minutes to hours, the most immediate threat is cardiovascular coll...

ADDITIONAL READING

SEE ALSO

American Heart Association. Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19. 2021. Available at https://cpr.heart...

SEE ALSO

CODES

ICD10

  • I46.9 Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified

  • I46.2 Cardiac arrest due to underlying cardiac condition

  • I46.8 Cardiac arrest due to other underlying condition

SNOMED

  • 410429000 cardiac arrest (disorder...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • C-A-B replaces ABCs for the priority of approach to a patient with a suspected cardiac arrest.

  • Prompt initiation of CPR, particularly chest compressions (push hard, push fast, and don’t...

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