Advanced cardiac life support

ACLS Advanced cardiac life support AS Left ear (auris sinistra)... 

Cardiopulmonary arrest is the abrupt cessation of spontaneous and effective ventilation and circulation after a cardiac or respiratory event. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides artificial ventilation and circulation until it is possible to provide advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and reestablish spontaneous circulation. 

FIGURE 7-1. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) treatment algorithm for adult cardiopulmonary arrest. (CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation PEA, pulseless electrical activity PVT, pulseless ventricular tachycardia VF, ventricular fibrillation.)... 

Unlabeled uses Bretylium is a second-line agent following lidocaine in the protocol for advanced cardiac life support during CPR. For resistant VF and VT (after lidocaine, defibrillation, and procainamide failures), give bretylium 5 to 10 mg/kg IV repeat as needed up to 30 mg/kg use a bolus every 15 to 30 minutes, infusion 1 to 2 mg/min. For life-threatening arrhythmia use an undiluted infusion of 1 g/250 mL. 

ACLS advanced cardiac life support ACS acute coronary syndrome, American Cancer S ety, American Ctrilege of Surgeons ADH antidiuretic hormone ADHD attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ADR adverse drug reaction AE adverse events AF atrial fibrillation AHA American Heart Association Al aluminum... 

Penetrating and blunt injuries are commonly sustained following an explosion therefore, standard Advanced Trauma Life Supporf and Advanced Cardiac Life Support principles can be applied. Llowever, unique injuries occur due to the mechanism of blast waves. 

Initial treatment of casualties of an explosion or blast is the same as for those with injuries from motor vehicle accidents, gunshots, falls, burns, and other major traumatic mechanisms. Vaughan (2005, n.p.) states the immediate focus in the event of an explosion is maintaining life and limb. The principles of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and Advanced Ttauma Care for Nurses (ATCN) should also be applied in this situation. Each of these certification programs discusses assessment in reference to primary and secondary surveys, progressing... 

Fig. 24.3 Advanced cardiac life support. (BLS basic life support) With permission, UK Resuscitation Council.The latest version can be found on www.resus.org.uk...

Bupivacaine can cause ventricular extra beats (8). Ventricular dysrhythmias and seizures were reported in a patient who received 0.5% bupivacaine 30 ml with adrenaline 5 micrograms/ml for lumbar plexus block, after a negative aspiration test (9). The patient developed ventricular fibrillation and required advanced cardiac life support for 1 hour, including 15 defibrillations, and adrenaline 40 mg before sinus rhythm could be restored. There were no neurological sequelae. 

The treatment of cardiac arrest should follow the American Heart Association guidelines for Advance Cardiac Life Support. After three shocks, epinephrine or vasopression are administered. If this fails, then antiarrhythmics are given to facilitate the conversion and maintenance of NSR. 

ACLS advanced cardiac life support CBZ carbamazepine... 

It is common to find a pharmacist as a member of the hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) team, which responds to emergent situations that may require immediate patient care. These scenarios usually involve a patient who suddenly becomes nonresponsive, ceases spontaneous respirations, and/or experiences a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. The CPR team responds to such patients by implementing advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), which involves quick provision of an airway and electrical (defibrillation) and/or pharmacologic interventions to sustain cardiac function. The pharmacist s role on such a team involves the preparation of intravenous infusions needed in an emergent situation, dose calculations, and consultation regarding appropriate medication use. 

Formal and informal education of the critical care team Advanced cardiac life support education Residency or fellowship development Conducts research and presents and publishes findings... 

The advanced cardiac life support-certified (or pediatric advanced life support-certified) pharmacist responds to all resuscitation events in the hospital 7 days/week, 24 hours/day. 

The pharmacist participates in teaching advanced cardiac life support. 

Once the HazMat response is in place, you can move appropriately protected medical personnel in to assess the patients while decontamination commences. This is also tme at the hospital. There are limited interventions that can be initiated in a contaminated environment. These revolve around Basic Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Advanced HazMat Life Support (BCLS, ACLS, ATLS, and AHLS, respectively, with trademarks) ABCDE s (Establish responsiveness, Airway/C-Spine, Breathing, Circulation/Control Hemorrhage, Dmgs/Defibrillation/Dehnitive Care/Disability (Neurologic)/Decontamination, Exposure/ Environmental/Elimination). The triage process would determine the level of responsiveness, along... 

Cardiac arrest Neurologic Advanced cardiac life support, prolonged resuscitation may be needed... 

Albertson TE, Dawson A, de Latorre F, et al. Tox-ACLS Toxicologic-oriented advanced cardiac life support. Ann Emerg Med 2001 37 S78-S90. 

ACLS advanced cardiac life support AED automatic external defibrillator AMI acute myocardial infarction CPC cerebral performance category CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation D5W dextrose 5% in water ECC emergency cardiovascular care ECG electrocardiogram GCS Glasgow Coma Scale IV intravenous... 

Emergency Cardiovascular Care Programs, Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Chicago, American Heart Association, 1997. 

Chow MS. Advanced cardiac life support controversy Where do antiar-... 

Jaffe AS. The use of antiarrhythmics in advanced cardiac life support. Ann Intern Med 1993 22 307-316. 

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