A 70-year-old male with a permanent pacemaker has a cardiac arrest. The AED analyses the rhythm and advises no shock. The underlying rhythm on the mon...

Question

A 70-year-old male with a permanent pacemaker has a cardiac arrest. The AED analyses the rhythm and advises no shock. The underlying rhythm on the monitor shows regular pacing spikes at 60 bpm but no associated mechanical activity (no pulse). What is the correct management?

Accepted Answer

Pacemaker failure with PEA - continue CPR and administer adrenaline per the non-shockable algorithm

Answer

Defibrillation should be attempted regardless of the AED advice

Answer

Place defibrillation pads directly over the pacemaker to override it

Answer

The pacemaker is functioning correctly - the patient is not in cardiac arrest

Answer

Increase the pacemaker rate using an external magnet

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Pacemaker in Cardiac Arrest

A 70-year-old male with a permanent pacemaker has a cardiac arrest. The AED analyses the rhythm and advises no shock. The underlying rhythm on the monitor shows regular pacing spikes at 60 bpm but no associated mechanical activity (no pulse). What is the correct management?