Question

A patient is in refractory vfib and has received multiple appropriate defibrillation shocks, epi 1mg IV 2x, and an initial dose of amiodarone 300mg IV. The patient is intubated. How should the 2nd dose of amiodarone be given?

Answer 1

For a patient in refractory ventricular fibrillation, after the initial 300mg IV dose of amiodarone, a second dose of 150mg IV should be administered according to ACLS guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient is in refractory ventricular fibrillation (vfib) and has already received an initial dose of amiodarone 300mg IV after unsuccessful defibrillation attempts, the recommended second dose of amiodarone should be 150mg IV. This second dose can be administered to provide additional antiarrhythmic support in the face of persistent vfib. The delivery of amiodarone after the initial and second dose should be followed according to current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines, which may include continuous monitoring and consideration for additional treatments or interventions as the patient's condition dictates.