Question

A patient in cardiac arrest is receiving good CPR. The patient is intubated and an IV has been started. The rhythm is asystole. Which is the first drug/dose to be administered?

1) Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes
2) Amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO push
3) Atropine 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes
4) Lidocaine 1-1.5 mg/kg IV/IO push

Answer 1

The first drug/dose to be administered in a patient with cardiac arrest and asystole rhythm is 1) Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Epinephrine is the drug of choice in asystole as it stimulates the heart to contract and increases the chance of restoring a regular heart rhythm. In cardiac arrest, asystole is a non-shockable rhythm, meaning defibrillation is not recommended. Therefore, drugs like Amiodarone, Atropine, and Lidocaine, which are used to treat specific arrhythmias, are not the first-line drugs for asystole.

In summary, Epinephrine should be administered first in a patient with asystole rhythm to improve the chances of successful resuscitation. The correct first drug/dose to be administered in a patient with cardiac arrest and asystole rhythm is 1) Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes.