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Pulmonary embolism cardiac arrest — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardResuscitationPulmonary embolism cardiac arrestDIPIMCDipIMC

A patient with recent major surgery and immobility suddenly collapses. The rhythm is pulseless electrical activity. The neck veins are distended, the chest is clear with equal breath sounds, and massive pulmonary embolism is strongly suspected.

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Consider thrombolysis and continue CPR for 60-90 minutes

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as D · D = shown as E

When cardiac arrest is thought to be due to a massive pulmonary embolism, thrombolysis should be considered and, if given, CPR continued for a prolonged period of 60-90 minutes to allow the agent to work. Stopping at the usual 20 minutes (C) abandons a potentially reversible cause too soon, and amiodarone (C) does not treat the embolus. Suspected PE arrest justifies thrombolysis and extended resuscitation.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK 2025 (special circumstances)