Question

An unresponsive patient in the emergency department has pulseless electrical activity (PEA) at a rate of 30/min. High-quality CPR is ongoing and an IV is in place. What is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Administer epinephrine 1 mg IV now and repeat every 3-5 minutes while continuing CPR

Answer

Defibrillate at 200 J biphasic

Answer

Give atropine 1 mg IV

Answer

Administer amiodarone 300 mg IV push

Answer

Stop CPR to obtain a 12-lead ECG

Practice question

An unresponsive patient in the emergency department has pulseless electrical activity (PEA) at a rate of 30/min. High-quality CPR is ongoing and an IV is in place. What is the next best step?