Which is an initial treatment for PEA?

Which is an initial treatment for PEA?

• A. Epinephrine every 3-5 minutes
• B. CPR
• C. Defibrillation
• D. Obtain IV access

Answer: (B)

PEA means there is electrical activity on the monitor but no palpable pulse, so there is no rhythm to shock. The first and most crucial action is high-quality chest compressions to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart while you address reversible causes and arrange for drugs. Defibrillation isn’t used here because there isn’t a shockable rhythm. Epinephrine is given during the resuscitation to improve perfusion, but it comes after you’ve started CPR and established IV/IO access to deliver the medication. So, the initial treatment for PEA is to begin CPR immediately.

PEA means there is electrical activity on the monitor but no palpable pulse, so there is no rhythm to shock. The first and most crucial action is high-quality chest compressions to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart while you address reversible causes and arrange for drugs. Defibrillation isn’t used here because there isn’t a shockable rhythm. Epinephrine is given during the resuscitation to improve perfusion, but it comes after you’ve started CPR and established IV/IO access to deliver the medication. So, the initial treatment for PEA is to begin CPR immediately.