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What would happen if the heart was damaged from an MI (or high voltage shock) and there was no discernible electrical impulses?

Ventricular Fibrillation

Characteristics
  • No discernible P wave
  • No discernible QRS duration
  • May appear fine or course.
  • Patient rapidly becomes unconscious and pulseless
  • Fatal within 3-5 minutes without intervention
Interventions  

Defibrillation

Start CPR until AED arrives.  Then give 1 shock at 360J if indicated. Cont. to shock at 360j q 2 minutes if indicated.

CPR

Restart chest compressions immediately after each shock at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 respirations. 

ACLS

Medications

. Epinephrine 1 mg IV q3-5 min. Or Vasopressin 40 U IV, once, in place of the 1st or 2nd dose of epi.
. Amiodarone 300mg IV may repeat once at 150mg in 3-5 min. if VF persists
. Lidocaine 1.0-1.5 mg/kg IV may repeat X 2, q 5-10 min. at 0.5-0.75 mg/kg, (3mg/kg max. loading dose) if VF persists
. Magnesium Sulfate 1-2 g IV diluted in 10mL D5W
(5-20 min. push) for torsades de pointes or suspected/ known hypomagnesemia.