I put together these medical challenges. The cases are hypothetical and do not necessarily represent actual or typical presentations of medical diseases. Disclaimer is at the bottom of this page.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Not Good
Challenge: Well...that's not good (yes, it's an EKG). Assuming it is not artifact, what's the differential diagnosis (H's and T's)? What is your next step in management?
The EKG shows asystole. One simplified DDX involving the H's and T's suggests: hypovolemia, hypoxia, hydrogen ion (acidosis), hypo or hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, thrombosis (PE or MI), trauma. Current ACLS guidelines suggest immediate CPR and epinephrine 1mg IV/IO repeat q3-5min; the first or second dose of epinephrine can be replaced by vasopressin 40 U IV/IO. Atropine 1mg IV/IO can also be considered q3-5min (up to 3 doses).
3 comments:
Hypovolemia, hypoglycemia, hypoxia, hydrogen ions (acidosis), hypothermia, hypo/hyperkalemia, trauma, tension pneumothorax, toxins, tamponade, thrombosis.
CPR w/ 1mg Epi IV/IO... Atropine 1mg if brady... and of course trying to correct the cause.
hyperkalemia
yes! acls certified!
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Not Good
The EKG shows asystole. One simplified DDX involving the H's and T's suggests: hypovolemia, hypoxia, hydrogen ion (acidosis), hypo or hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, toxins, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, thrombosis (PE or MI), trauma. Current ACLS guidelines suggest immediate CPR and epinephrine 1mg IV/IO repeat q3-5min; the first or second dose of epinephrine can be replaced by vasopressin 40 U IV/IO. Atropine 1mg IV/IO can also be considered q3-5min (up to 3 doses).
Sources: ACLS Guidelines; Wikipedia.
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