Question

A 45YO man had coronary stents placed 2 days ago. Today he is in severe distress and is reporting crushing chest discomfort. Pale, diaphoretic, cool to touch, weak radial pulse, BP 64/40 mmHg, RR 28/min, 89% RA. VTach changed to VFib. The pt has ROSC and is not able to follow commands. Which immediate post-cardiac arrest care intervention do you choose for this pt?

A)Initiate targeted temperature management
B)Performed synchronized cardioversion
C)Charge the defib 15s before conducting a rhythm check
D)None

Answer 1

The appropriate immediate post-cardiac arrest care intervention for a patient following ROSC and not able to follow commands is to initiate targeted temperature management to minimize potential brain injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The immediate post-cardiac arrest care intervention to choose for a patient who is not able to follow commands after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is initiate targeted temperature management (TTM). TTM is used to improve neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest and involves controlling the patient's body temperature to minimize brain injury. Other interventions, like synchronized cardioversion or charging the defibrillator, are not relevant in this scenario because the patient is already in ROSC, and the main goal is neuroprotection. The care should be in the setting of a comprehensive treatment strategy, which may include other advanced life support interventions as needed.