An adult arrests with a non-shockable rhythm and pulseless electrical activity. Before collapse he had pleuritic chest pain and breathlessness

Question

An adult arrests with a non-shockable rhythm and pulseless electrical activity. Before collapse he had pleuritic chest pain and breathlessness following a recent long-haul flight. The neck veins are distended, and decompression of the chest reveals no tension pneumothorax.

Accepted Answer

Consider massive pulmonary embolism and give thrombolysis, continuing CPR for an extended period.

Answer

Perform bilateral thoracostomies as the most likely cause of the arrest.

Answer

Give a fluid bolus and adrenaline, then cease efforts at 20 minutes.

Answer

Attribute the arrest to hypovolaemia and transfuse blood products.

Answer

Continue chest compressions alone, because no specific reversible cause is considered treatable in this case.

PEA arrest (pulmonary embolism) — DIPIMC MCQ

An adult arrests with a non-shockable rhythm and pulseless electrical activity. Before collapse he had pleuritic chest pain and breathlessness following a recent long-haul flight. The neck veins are distended, and decompression of the chest reveals no tension pneumothorax.