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Penetrating traumatic cardiac arrest — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardTraumaPenetrating traumatic cardiac arrestRCPSC EM

A 26-year-old arrives pulseless after a witnessed stab wound to the left chest 8 minutes ago. CPR is ongoing, end-tidal CO2 is 28 mmHg, and POCUS shows pericardial fluid with cardiac standstill developing. Blood products are available. What is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: E — Perform resuscitative thoracotomy if local expertise is immediately available

Perform resuscitative thoracotomy if local expertise is immediately available is correct: the clues indicate Penetrating traumatic cardiac arrest and this option addresses the immediate ED priority. The distractors delay care, target a less likely problem, or are unsafe in this physiology.

Reference: ATLS; trauma resuscitation practice