Cardiac Arrest (PEA/Asystole) — ABEM Board MCQ

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EasyEmergency MedicineCardiac Arrest (PEA/Asystole)ABEM Board

A 64-year-old is in pulseless electrical activity. High-quality CPR is ongoing, IV access is in place. Which medication and dose should be given now?

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Correct answer: A — Epinephrine 1 mg IV every 3-5 min

In PEA/asystole, give epinephrine 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes with ongoing high-quality CPR. Atropine and adenosine are not indicated. Amiodarone treats shock-refractory VF/pVT, not PEA. Calcium is for specific indications (e.g., hyperkalemia, calcium-channel blocker overdose).

Reference: AHA Guideline (2020): Adult Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support