Question

Your patient arrives in the ED with a pulse rate of 72 BPM but no respiratory effort. Which action, if attempted by the provider, prompts a fellow provider to intervene?

Answer 1

A patient with a pulse rate of 72 BPM but no respiratory effort may be experiencing pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Intubation is not appropriate in this situation and may prompt intervention from fellow providers. The focus should be on addressing the cause of PEA and treating any potential life-threatening conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient arriving in the emergency department with a pulse rate of 72 BPM but no respiratory effort may be experiencing a condition called pulseless electrical activity (PEA). In PEA, there is a lack of normal electrical activity in the heart, which impairs its ability to contract and pump blood effectively. In this situation, the heart may maintain a normal pulse rate despite the absence of respiratory effort.

If a provider attempts to administer intubation, which involves inserting a breathing tube down the patient's throat, it would prompt a fellow provider to intervene. Intubation is not indicated in a patient with PEA, as the underlying issue is not related to airway obstruction or respiratory function. Instead, interventions should focus on determining and treating the cause of PEA, such as addressing cardiac arrest or other potentially life-threatening conditions.