ACLS Megacode Scenario 1 | ACLS-Algorithms.com

Comments

  1. Lynne Gosling says

    I am really enjoying this site for brushing up on my acls skills in prep for recertification. It helps to have the visuals and appreciate the work you have put into this site!

  2. Barbara says

    When I was a paramedic which was some time ago, our protocol called for a third dose of 12mg adenosine, but we never gave it for we always made it to the hospital before having to give it. Also if anyone has ever given adenosine remember it does make the patient go into asystole for a short period of time. Just throwing in my two cents for what it’s worth.

  3. Karon Alvarado says

    Hi Jeff,

    What page in the AHA ACLS Handbook does it show how to progressively increase in Joules for defibrillator settings?

    • Jeff with admin. says

      I have searched for this myself and there are no specifics.

      On page 61 AHA ACLS provider manual, there is a diagram. In the gray box to the right about half way down, you will see a subheading: SHOCK ENERGY. Under this it says: “Manufacturer recommendation (eg. Initial dose of 120-200J); if unknown, use maximum available. Second and subsequent doses should be equivalent, and higher doses may be considered.

      In my own experience, I have seen this sequence as somewhat standard: 120, 120, 200J. With biphasic 200J should be sufficient for defibrillation.

      Kind Regards,
      Jeff

  4. george says

    The p/t is stable ! For now anyway. Bp 120 SYS, and good pulses. Vagal’s then 6,12, and 12mg. If pulses were absent, which would require a bp less than 90 Palp. Then we would cardiovert the p/t. Then its time to hang a drip. We hope.

    • Jeff with admin. says

      The tachycardia algorithm now uses adenosine 6mg then 12mg if needed. No third dose is in the algorithm. I have discussed this with several experienced providers and I have looked for the reason for the change. I have yet to identify an definitive answer. Kind Regards, Jeff

    • Jeff with admin. says

      We are attempting vagal maneuvers per the algorithm. The HR is greater than 150, there are no other underlying causes, the QRS is narrow, and the patient (at this time) is not experiencing any serious signs and symptoms.

      If there were serious signs and symptoms, we would move straight to cardioversion rather than vagal maneuvers.

      Jeff

  5. Shannon says

    This does not say pulseless. It says heart rate 220, and weak pulse. So I’m confused about the cardioversion before last adenosine dose is attempted.

    • Jeff with admin. says

      The 2010 guidelines have done away with the second dose of 12mg adenosine. The protocol now calls for 6mg then 12mg. That’s it.
      I have spoken with several colleges about this and we have not been able to determine why the AHA dropped the 3rd dose of adenosine and I have not found any think in a brief review of literature.—Jeff

  6. Edgar Lebitania Jr says

    Theresa says:
    September 1, 2011 at 10:49 pm
    why am I doing unsynchronized now instead of cpr? Not sure I understand this!
    —————————————————————————————————-

    …it’s because this is a witnessed arrest.

  7. dax says

    theresa, cpr wont be effective because the patient is already in pulseless ventricular tachycardia.. so the effective intervention is to give an unsynchronized cardioversion.. it is also the same as giving a shock.

    V fib and V tach ( pulseless )

    same intervention…

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