Cardiac Muscle
Syncytium
Network of cells –
Electrical impulses
Atrial
Ventricular
Sarcolemma
Membrane enclosing
cardiac cell
Marian Williams RN
Cardiac Muscle
Sarcolemma
Holes in Sarcolemma
T-(transverse) tubules
Go around muscle
cells
Conduct impulses
Sarcoplasmic
Reticulum
Series of tubules
Stores Calcium
Calcium moved from
sarcoplasm into
sarcoplasmic reticulum
by pumps
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Cardiac Muscle
Sarcomeres
Made of thick and thin
filaments
Thin
Troponin
Thick
Myosin
Contraction
Thin/thick filaments
slide over each other
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Cardiac Muscle
Marian Williams RN
ION Concentrations
Extracellular
Sodium and
Chloride
Intracellular
Potassium and
Calcium
Cardiac Muscle
Channels
Openings (pores) in
cell membrane
Sodium –Na+
Potassium –K+
Calcium –Ca++
Magnesium –Mg++
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EFFECTS ON HEART
RATE
1. Baroreceptors
(Pressure)
Internal Carotids
Aortic Arches
Detects changes in
BP
2. Chemoreceptors
Internal Carotids
Aortic Arches
Changes in pH
(Hydrogen Ion,
Oxygen, Carbon
Dioxide)
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Autonomic Nervous
System
Parasympathetic
SA Node
AtrialMuscle
AV Node
VagusNerve
Acetycholineis
released and binds to
parasympathetic
receptors
Slows SA node rate
Slows AV Conduction
Decreases atrial
contraction strength
Marian Williams RN
Autonomic Nervous
System
Sympathetic
Electrical system
Atrium
Ventricles
Norepinephrine
release
Increased force of
contraction
Increased heart rate
Increased BP
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC OUTPUT
Stroke Volume x
Heart Rate = CO (4-8
L/min)
Stroke Volume
approx. 70 ml/beat
Increased by:
Adrenal medulla
Norepinephrine;
Epinephrine
Pancreas
Insulin; Glucagon
Medications
Calcium; Digitalis;
Dopamine; Dobutamine
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC OUTPUT
Decrease in Force of
Contraction
Severe hypoxia
Decreased pH
Elevated carbon
dioxide
Medications –
Calcium channel
blockers, Beta
Blockers
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BLOOD PRESSURE
Definition
Force exerted by
circulating blood on
artery walls
Equals: Cardiac
output x’s peripheral
vascular resistance
CO x PVR
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STROKE VOLUME
Stroke Volume
determined by
Preload
Force exerted on
ventricles walls at end
of diastole
Increased volume
means increased
preload
Afterload
Pressure or resistance
against which the
ventricles must pump to
eject blood
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
STROKE VOLUME
Afterload influenced
by:
Arterial BP
Ability of arteries to
stretch
Arterial resistance
Marian Williams RN
STROKE VOLUME
Frank Starling’s Law
The greater the
volume of blood in the
heart during diastole,
the more forceful the
cardiac contraction,
the more blood the
ventricle will pump (to
a point)
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Two Types
Myocardial Cells
Mechanical
Can be electrically
stimulated
Cannot generate
electricity
Pacemaker Cells
Electrical cells
Spontaneously
generate electrical
impulses
Conduct electrical
impulses
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Current
Electrical charge flow
from one point to
another
Voltage
Energy measurement
between positive and
negative points
Measured in
millivolts
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Action Potential
Five Phase cycle
reflecting the
difference in
concentration of
electrolytes (Na+,
K+, Ca++, Cl-) which
are charged
particles across a
cell membrane
The imbalance of
these charged
particles make the
cells excitable
Marian Williams RN
Cardiac Cell Action
Potential
Phase 0
Depolarization
Rapid Na+ entry into
cell
Phase 1
Early depolarization
Ca++ slowly enters
cell
Phase 2
Plateau-continuation
of repolarization
Slow entry of Sodium
and Calcium into cell
Cardiac Cell Action
Potential
Phase 3
Potassium is moved
out of the cell
Phase 4
Return to resting
membrane potential
CARDIAC CELLS
At rest
K+ leaks out
Protein & phosphates
are negatively
charged, large and
remain inside cell
Polarized Cell
More negative inside
than outside
Membrane potential is
difference in electrical
charge (voltage)
across cell membrane
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Current (flow of
energy) of electrolytes
from one side of the
cell membrane to the
other requires energy
(ATP)
Expressed as volts
Measured as ECG
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Depolarization
When interior of cell
becomes more
positive than negative
Na+ and Ca+ move
into cell and K+ and
Cl-move out
Electrical impulse
begins (usually) in SA
node through
electrical cells and
spreads through
myocardial cells
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Repolarization
Inside of cell
restored to negative
charge
Returning to resting
stage starts from
epicardium to
endocardium
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Action Potential
Phase 0 –rapid
depolarization
Na+ into cell rapidly
Ca++ into cell slowly
K+ slowly leaks out
Phase 1 –early
rapid repolarization
Na+ into cell slows
Cl-enters cell
K+ leaves
Phase 2 –Plateau
Ca++ slowly enters cell
K+ still leaves
Phase 3 –Final rapid
repolarization
K+ out of cell quickly
Na+ & Ca++ stop
entering
VERY SENSITIVE TO
ELECTRICAL
STIMULATION
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Phase 4 –Resting
membrane potential
Na+ excess outside
K+ excess inside
Ready to discharge
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Properties
1.Automaticity
1.Cardiac pacemaker
cells create an
electrical impulse
without being
stimulated from
another source
2.Excitability
1.Irritability
2.Ability of cardiac
muscle to respond to
an outside stimulus,
Chemical,
Mechanical, ElectricalMarian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
3.Conductivity
Ability of cardiac cell
to receive an
electrical impulse and
conduct it to an
adjoining cardiac cell
4.Contractility
Ability of myocardial
cells to shorten in
response to an
impulse
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Refractory Periods
Period of recovery
cell needs after being
discharged before
they are able to
respond to a stimulus
Absolute
Refractory
Relative
Refractory
Supernormal
ERP –Effective
refractory period
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Absolute refractory
Cell will not respond
to further stimulation
Relative refractory
Vulnerable period
Some cardiac cells
have repolarized and
canbe stimulated to
respond to a stronger
than normal stimulus
Marian Williams RN
CARDIAC CELLS
Supernormal
Period
A weaker than
normal stimulus can
cause cardiac cells
to depolarize during
this period
Marian Williams RN
CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
Sinoatrial Node (SA)
Primary pacemaker
Intrinsic rate 60-
100/min
Located in Rt.
Atrium
Supplied by
sympathetic and
para-sympathetic
nerve fibers
Blood from RCA-
60% of people
Marian Williams RN
CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
Three internodal
pathways
Anterior tract
Bachmann’s Bundle
Left atrium
Wenckebach’s
Bundle
Thorel’s Pathway
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CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
Atrioventricular
Junction
Internodal pathways
merge
AV Node
Non-branching
portion of the
Bundle of His
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CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
AV Node
Supplied by RCA –
85%-90% of people
Left circumflex artery
in rest of people
Delay in conduction
due to smaller fivers
Marian Williams RN
CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
Bundle of His
Located in upper
portion of
interventricular
septum
Intrinsic rate 40-
60/min
Blood from LAD and
Posterior
Descending
Less vulnerable to
ischemia
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CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
Right & Left Bundle
Branches
RBB
Right Ventricle
Marian Williams RN
CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
LBB –Left Bundle
Branch
Anterior Fasicle
oAnterior portion
left ventricle
Posterior Fascicle
Posterior portions
of left ventricle
Septal Fasicle
Mid-spetum
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Marian Williams RN
CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
Spread from
interventricular
septum to papillary
muscles
Continue downward
to apex of heart-
approx 1/3 of way
Fibers then
continuous with
muscle cells of Rt
and Lt ventricles
Marian Williams RN
CONDUCTION
SYSTEM
Purkinje Fibers
Intrinsic pacemaker
rate 20-40/min
Impulse spreads
from endocardium
to epicardium
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Records electrical
voltage of heart cells
Orientation of heart
Conduction
disturbances
Electrical effects of
medications and
electrolytes
Cardiac muscle
mass
Ischemia / Infarction
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ECG
Leads
Tracing of electrical
activity between 2
electrodes
Records the
Average current
flow at any specific
time in any specific
portion of time
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ECG
Types of leads
Limb Lead (I, II, III)
Augmented
(magnified) Limb
Leads (aVR, aVL,
aVF)
Chest (Precordial)
Leads
(V1,V2,V3,V4,V5,V6)
Each lead has
Positive electrode
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Each lead ‘sees’ heart
as determined by 2
factors
1. Dominance of left
ventricle
2. Position of Positive
electrode on body
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Marian Williams RN
ECG
Lead I
Negative electrode
Right arm
Positive electrode
Left arm
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Lead II
Negative Electrode
Right Arm
Positive Electrode
Left Leg
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Lead III
Negative Lead
Left Arm
Positive Lead
Left Leg
Marian Williams RN
ECG PAPER
Graph Paper
Small boxes
1mm wide; 1 mm
high
Horizontal axis
Time in seconds
1 mm box represents
0.04 seconds
ECG paper speed is
25 mm/second
One large box is 5 (1
mm boxes or 0.04
sec)=.20 seconds
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG PAPER
Vertical Axis
Voltage or amplitude
Measured in millivolts
1mm box high is 0.1
mV
1 large box is (5 x
0.1=0.5 mV)
However, in practice
the vertical axis is
described in
millimeters.
Marian Williams RN
ECG PAPER
Waveforms
Movement from
baseline
Positive (upward)
Negative
(downward)
Isoelectric –along
baseline
Biphasic -Both
upward and
downward
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
P Wave
First waveform
Impulse begins in
SA Node in Right
Atrium
Downslope of P
wave –is stimulation
of left atrium
2.5 mm in height
(max)
O.11 sec. duration
(max)
Positive in Lead II
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
QRS Complex
Electrical impulse
through ventricules
Larger than P wave
due to larger muscle
mass of ventricles
Follows P wave
Made up of a
Q wave
R wave
S wave
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Q wave
First negative
deflection following P
wave
Represents
depolarization of the
interventricular
septum activated from
left to right
Marian Williams RN
ECG
R wave
First upright
waveform following
the P wave
Represents
depolarization of
ventricles
Marian Williams RN
ECG
S wave
Negative waveform
following the R wave
Normal duration of
QRS
0.06 mm –0.10 mm
Not all QRS
Complexes have a
Q, R and S
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
T wave
Represents
ventricular
repolarization
Absolute refractory
period present
during beginning of
T wave
Relative refractory
period at peak
Usually 0.5 mm or
more in height
Slightly roundedMarian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
U wave
Small waveform
Follows T wave
Less than 1.5 mm in
amplitude
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
J Point
Point where the QRS
complex and ST-
segment meet
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Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
PR Interval
Measurement where
P wave leaves
baseline to
beginning of QRS
complex
Activation
AV Node
Bundle of His
Bundle Branches
Purkinje Fibers
Atrial repolarization
0.12 -.20 sec.
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
QT interval
Begins at isoelectric
line from end of S
wave to the
beginning of the T
wave -0.44 sec.
Represents total
ventricular activity
Measured from
beginning of QRS
complex to end of T
wave
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Artifact
Distortion of
electrical activity
Noncardiac in origin
Caused by
Loose electrodes
Broken cables/wires
Muscle tremor
Patient movement
60 cycle interference
Chest compressions
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Analysis
Rate
Six Second Method
Two –3 second
markers
Count complexes
and multiply x 10
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Analysis
Regularity
AtrialRate
Measure distance
between P waves
VentricularRate
Measure distance
between R-R
intervals
0.04 mm ‘off’ is
considered regular
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Analysis
Measure P wave
length
Measure PR Interval
Measure QRS wave
duration
Measure QT interval
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Analysis
ST segment
Elevated?
Depressed?
T wave
Normal height
Upright?
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Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Normal Sinus
Rhythm
Electrical activity
activity starts in SA
node
AV Junction
Bundle Branches
Ventricles
Depolarization of atria
and ventricles
Rate: 60-100
/Regular
PR interval / QRS
duration normal
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Sinus Bradycardia
Sinus Node fires at a rate slower than normal
Conduction occurs through atria, AV junction,
Bundle Branches and Ventricles
Depolarization of atria and ventricles occurs
In adults –rate is slower than 60 / minute
Rate is regular
Why?
Athletes; Vagal Stimulation
Medications Cardiac disease
Treatment: TCP; Atropine 0.5 mg IVP if symptomatic
(maybe); Epinephrine or Dopamine 2-10 mcg/kg/min
infusionMarian Williams RN
ECG
Sinus Bradycardia
Causes
H’s and T’s
Hypoxia Toxins
Hypovolemia Tamponade, cardiac
Hydrogen Ion (acidosis) Tension Pneumothorax
Hypo-Hyperkalemia Thrombosis (coronary or
pulmonary)
Hypoglycemia Trauma (Increased ICP;
hypovolemia)
Hypothermia
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Sinus Tachycardia
SA node fires faster than 100-180/minute
Normal pathway of conduction and
depolarization
Regular rate
Why?
Coronary artery disease Fear; anger;
exercise;
Hypoxia Fever
Treatment:
Treat Cause
Beta-Blockers
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Sinus Arrhythmia
The SA node fires Irregularly / Rate 60-100/min.
Normal pathway of electrical conduction and
depolarization
PR and QRS durations are normal
Why?
Respiratory-Increases with inspiration; decreases with
expiration
Often in children; Inferior Wall MI; Increased ICP;
Medications: Digoxin; Morphine
Treatment: Often None
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Sinus Arrest
SA node fails to initiate electrical impulse for
one or more beats
May see no beats on monitor or other
pacemaker cells in the heart may take over
Rate: Variable ; Rhythm: Irregular
Why?
Hypoxia; Coronary artery disease; Hyperkalemia
Beta-Blockers; CA channel blockers; Increased vagal
tone
Treatment
Pacemaker; Atropine; Epinephrine or Dopamine
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Premature Atrial Complexes
An electrical cell within the atria fires before the
SA node fires
Rate: Usually closer to 100; Irregular rhythm
P wave usually looks abnormal and complex
occurs before it should
Why?
Emotional stress; CHF; Acute coronary syndromes
Stimulants; Digitalis Toxicity; etc.
Treatment
Reduce stress; Reduce stimulants; Treat CHF; Beta-
blockers
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Supraventricular Tachycardiac (SVT)
Fast rhythms generated ‘Above the Ventricles’
Paroxysmal SVT (starts or ends suddenly)
Rate –usually 130-250
Why? Stimulants; Infection; Electrolyte
Imbalance
MI Altered atrial pathway (WPW)-Kent
S & S
Lightheadedness; Palpitations; SOB; Anxiety;
Weakness
Dizziness; Chest Discomfort; Shock
Treatment
Vagal maneuvers; Adenosine 6 mg fast IVP; Repeat
with 12 mg Adenosine; Cardioversion
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Atrial Flutter
Irritable focus within the atrium typically fires at a
rate of about 300 bpm
Waveforms resemble teeth of a saw
AV node cannot conduct faster than about 180
beats/minute
Atrial vs ventricular rate expressed as a ratio
Why: Re-entry-HypoxiaPulmonary embolism
MI Chronic Lung diseasePneumonia etc.
S & S: SOB; Weakness; Dizziness; Fatigue; Chest
discomfort
Treatment: Ca Channel Blocker; Beta Blockers;
Amiodarone; Cardioversion –anticoagulants;
Corvert
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Atrial Fibrillation
Irritable sites in atria fire at a rate of 400-
600/minute
Muscles of atria quiver rather than contract
(fibrillate)
No P waves –only an undulating line
Only a few electrical impulses get through to the
ventricles –may be a lot of impulses or a few
A lot of impulses (ventricular rate high-then
called atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular
response)
A few impulses (ventricular rate slow –then
called atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular
response)
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
AV Block
Delay or interruption in impulse conduction
Classified accordi8ng to degree of block and/or to site
of block
First Degree Block
Impulses from SA node to the ventricles is DELAYED
but not blocked
Why?Ischemia Medications
Hyperkalemia
oInferior MIIncreased Vagal Tone
Treatment?Usually None
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Second Degree Block Type I -Wenckebach
Lengthening of the PR interval and then QRS wave is
dropped
Why? Usually RCA occlusion (90% of population)
Ischemia
Increase in parasympathetic tome
Medications
Treatment
If slow ventricular rate
oAtropine
oPacing
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Second Degree AV Block –Mobitz Type II
Why
Ischemia LCA –Anterior MI
Organic heart disease
Important:
Ventricular Rate
QRS duration
How many dropped QRS’s in relation to P waves?
What is the ratio?
Treatment
Atropine
Pacing
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Third Degree AV Block (Complete Block)
No P waves are conducted to the ventricles
The atrial pacemakers and ventricle pacemakers are
firing independently
Why?
Inferior MI; Anterior MI
Serious
Treatment
Atropine 0.5 mg IV
Epinephrine 2-10 mcg/kg or Dopamine 2-10 mcg/kg/min
Pacing
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Ventricular Rhythms
Are the heart’s least efficient pacemakers
Generate impulses at 20-40/min
Assume pacemaking if:
SA nodes fail, very slow (below 20-40) or are blocked
Ventricles site(s) is irritable
Irritable due to ischemia
Depolarization route is abnormal and longer,
therefore QRS looks different and is wider.
T wave is opposite in direction to QRS
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Premature Ventricular Contractions
May be from One Site and all look the same
Called Unifocal (from one focus or foci)
Marian Williams RN
ECG
May be from Different sites (Foci) and are called
Multifocal PVC’s
Marian Williams RN
ECG
May occur every other beat –Ventricular
Bigeminy
Marian Williams RN
ECG
May occur every third beat –Ventricular
Trigeminy
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ECG
R on T PVC
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Couplets(2 PVC’s in a row); Triplets (3 PVC’s in
a row)
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Couplets also known as ‘Salvos’.
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Run of PVC’s
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Ventricular Tachycardia
Defined as Three or more PVC’s occurring in a row at
a rate > 100/min
Wide QRS
No P waves
No T waves
Why?
Ischemia; Infarction; Congenital
Usually lethal
S & S: Weakness, Dizziness, Shock, Chest Pain;
Syncope
Treatment: Lidocaine or Amiodarone;
Cardioversion –if pulse; Defibrillation –if no pulse
(see Ventricular Fibrillation)
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Torsades de Pointes (Twisting of the Points)
Ventricular Tachycardia in which the QRS changes in
shape, amplitude and width
Causes:
Hypomagnesium; Hypokalemia; Quinidine therapy
S & S:
Altered mental status; shock; Chest pain; SOB;
Hypotension
Treatment:
Magnesium Sulfate 2 Grams diluted in 20 cc D
5W and
given IV
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Ventricular Fibrillation
Chaotic rhythm of the ventricles
Lethal if not treated
Causes: MI; Electrolyte Imbalance; Drug OD’s;
Trauma
Heart Failure; Vagal Stimulation; Increased SNS
Electrocutions etc.
Treatment: Defibrillation and CPR; AICD
Defibrillation: 360 Joules (monophasic defibrillators)
150 Joules (biphasic defibrillators)
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
CPR 5 cycles (interrupt if defibrillator is there)
Defibrillate
Continue CPR for 5 cycles (2 minutes)
Epinephrine 1 mg of 1:10,000 IVP OR Vasopressin 40
Units IV for 1
st
or 2
nd
dose of Epinephrine.
Repeated every 3-5 minutes CHECK PT/Monitor
CPR
Shock
CPR Amiodarone 300 mg IV or Lidocaine 1 mg/kg IV
CHECK PT/Monitor
Consider Magnesium Sulfate (Torsades)
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Pulseless Electrical Activity –PEA
Rhythm on monitor but no corresponding pulse
Why? Look for Cause!
H’s and T’s
Hypoxia Toxins
Hypovolemia Tamponade, cardiac
Hydrogen Ion (acidosis) Tension
Pneumothorax
Hypo-Hyperkalemia Thrombosis (coronary
or
Hypoglycemia
pulmonary)
Hypothermia Trauma (Increased
ICP,
hypovolemia)
ECG
Pulseless Electrical Activity –PEA
What do we do?
CPR for 5 cycles
Epinephrine 1 mg of 1:10,000 IVP OR may give Vasopressin
40 Units IV for 1
st
or 2
nd
dose of Epinephrine
Give Epinephrine 1 mg of 1:10,000 IVP every 3-5 minutes
If Rate is below 60/min. on monitor may give Atropine 1 mg IV
up to 3 doses
Always give a bolus of Normal Saline (1000 cc)
Continue CPR
Always check rhythm in 2 leads
Check Patient
ECG
Marian Williams RN
ECG
Asystole
No electrical activity on monitor
No pulse
Why? Look for Cause!
H’s and T’s
Hypoxia Toxins
Hypovolemia Tamponade, cardiac
Hydrogen Ion (acidosis) Tension
Pneumothorax
Hypo-Hyperkalemia Thrombosis (coronary
or
Hypoglycemia
pulmonary)
Hypothermia Trauma (Increased
ICP,
hypovolemia)
Marian Williams RN
ECG
What do we do?
CPR for 5 cycles
Epinephrine 1 mg of 1:10,000 IVP OR may give
Vasopressin 40 Units IV for 1
st
or 2
nd
dose of
Epinephrine
Give Epinephrine 1 mg of 1:10,000 IVP every 3-5
minutes
If Rate is below 60/min. on monitor may give Atropine 1
mg IV up to 3 doses
Always give a bolus of Normal Saline (1000 cc)
Continue CPR
Always check rhythm in 2 leads
Check Patient
Marian Williams RN