Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a clinical condition characterized by unresponsiveness and the lack of a palpable pulse in the presence of organized cardiac electrical activity.
Identify:
Heart Rate: No pulse present
Rhythm: Can appear organized (with no pulse present)
P wave: present or suppressed
QRS Complex: appear organized
ST segment: present
Check the Patient:
- Level of Consciousness (likely unresponsive)
- Hypotension (Systolic Less than 90mmHg.)
- Chest Discomfort or Shortness of Breath
- Saturation: less than 92%
- HR can be normal
Consider:
- Consider Oxygenation
- Monitor and Continue Observing
- Obtain IV/IO Access
- Hypoxia and Hypovolemia most common cause of PEA
Treatment:
- Initiate CPR
- Epi 1 mg
- Consider Reversible Causes
H's and T's:
- Hypoxemia
- Hypovolemia
- Hydrogen Ions (Acidosis)
- Hypo/Hyperkalemia
- Hypothermia
- Toxins
- Thrombosis (Pulmonary/Cardiac)
- Tension Pneumothorax