Cardiac arrest

MUST know PALS and ACLS well…know all drug dosages and algorithms
Review ACC handbook monthly and while in ICUs
Epinephrine 1mg IV OR Vasopressin 40IU IV one time only
            -Repeat epinephrine q3-5min
-May give epinephrine standard dose if Vasopressin fails (Vasopressin lasts 10 minutes-so no need to give epi for 10 minutes)
Amiodarone 300mg IVP for pulseless VT and Vfib
            -150mg IV over 10min for all other indications
-Studies have suggested that Amiodarone increases pt survival to hospital admission but does NOT improve pt survival to hospital discharge
Lidocaine 1.5mg/kg IV (may repeat x 1) with usual dose of 100mg IV
Procainamide 17mg/kg (administer at 20-30mg/min)
            -Stop if hypotension, QRS prolongs more than 50% or prolonged QT