An adult collapses on the medical-surgical unit and is found pulseless with monitor showing wide-complex VT. Which actions should the nurse and team perform? Select all that apply.
Select All That Apply
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Explanation
Pulseless VT and VF require immediate high-quality CPR with minimal interruption (rate 100-120, depth 2-2.4 inches, full recoil). Defibrillation is the most important intervention — every minute of delay reduces survival by 7-10 percent. After the second shock, epinephrine 1 mg IV every 3-5 minutes. Amiodarone 300 mg IV bolus is given after the third shock for refractory VT/VF (lidocaine 1-1.5 mg/kg is alternative). Atropine is NOT used in pulseless VT/VF — it is for symptomatic bradycardia. Address Hs (hypovolemia, hypoxia, hydrogen ion, hypo/hyperkalemia, hypothermia) and Ts (toxins, tamponade, tension PTX, thrombosis pulmonary/coronary).