Final answer:
The two most common, potentially reversible causes of PEA arrest are hypovolemia and hypoxia. Treatment for hypovolemia includes fluid resuscitation, whereas hypoxia requires oxygen therapy or ventilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two most common, potentially reversible, causes of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest are hypovolemia and hypoxia. Hypovolemia is a state where there is a significant loss of blood or fluid within the body, leading to insufficient circulatory volume. This can be caused by bleeding, dehydration, or severe burns. On the other hand, hypoxia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. This might be due to respiratory failure, airway obstruction, or severe lung diseases such as pneumonia or pulmonary embolism.
Addressing these conditions quickly is crucial in the medical management of PEA arrest. For hypovolemia, treatment might involve fluid resuscitation with intravenous fluids or blood products. To resolve hypoxia, interventions might include oxygen therapy, clearing an obstructed airway, or mechanical ventilation. By rapidly diagnosing and treating these underlying causes, there is a potential to reverse PEA and restore a spontaneous circulation.