Peri-arrest bradycardia — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: E — Atropine 500 micrograms IV while preparing pacing options

Option E is correct because Symptomatic bradycardia with adverse features is treated with atropine and escalation if ineffective. Option D is less appropriate because that dose is an ALS cardiac-arrest dose and is unsafe for this non-arrest indication; option A is less appropriate because aspirin is useful in ACS but inappropriate for this presentation. Option C is less appropriate because untitrated opioid dosing can cause avoidable hypotension or respiratory depression; option B is less appropriate because steroids have delayed onset and should not replace the immediate treatment. Clinical pearl: in DipIMC-style questions, the best answer is the intervention that changes outcome earliest in the pre-hospital phase.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines