Cardiac Arrest Circular Algorithm
Algorithm at a Glance
- The circular cardiac arrest care algorithm provides a simple way to understand cardiac arrest care as a continuous process.
- The team understands that cardiac arrest care involves high-quality CPR, medications, defibrillation, and airway management.
- The team ensures that post-cardiac arrest care begins at the time of ROSC.
Goals for Cardiac Arrest Circular Care Algorithm
The team will recognize that cardiac arrest care is an iterative process that includes:
- Continuous CPR
- Continuous monitoring
- Defibrillation as early as possible
- Drug therapy
- Airway management
- Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Adult Cardiac Arrest Circular Algorithm Explained
This algorithm was created to present the care for a patient in cardiac arrest as a circular algorithm to emphasize the need for ongoing assessment and management.
Step 1: Initiating CPR
When a cardiac arrest is suspected, the team begins high-quality CPR, administers oxygen, and attaches a monitor/defibrillator.
CPR procedure in the hospital.
Step 2: Interpreting the Rhythm
If VF or pVT, the team defibrillates immediately. If PEA or asystole, the team continues CPR and administers epinephrine early in the process and every 3 to 5 minutes throughout the resuscitation.
Epinephrine is administered every 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Step 2 Is Repeated After 2 Minutes
The team leader considers an advanced airway and assesses for and treats a reversible cause. The team considers the Hs and Ts to evaluate reversible causes.
Related Video – Introduction to the Hs and Ts
Step 4: The Cycle Is Continued Until ROSC
Upon return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the team proceeds to the Post-Cardiac Arrest Care algorithm.
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