Arrest
Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)
Any organized rhythm on the monitor with NO palpable pulse. Rhythm looks normal — patient is in arrest.
LEAD II · 25 mm/sPEA
Characteristics
- Rhythm
- Any organized electrical activity
- Pulse
- Absent
Common causes
- Hs: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, H⁺ (acidosis), Hypo/hyperkalemia, Hypothermia
- Ts: Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, Thrombosis (PE/MI), Trauma
ACLS treatment
- 1High-quality CPR.
- 2Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 min.
- 3Find and treat the underlying cause (Hs & Ts).
- 4NOT shockable.