Question

Despite 2 defibrillation attempts, the patient remains in ventricular fibrillation. Which drug and dose should you administer first to this patient?

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

Answer 1

After 2 defibrillation attempts, the first drug to be administered to a patient who remains in ventricular fibrillation is Amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO push, following ACLS guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the appropriate intervention after 2 defibrillation attempts with a patient still in ventricular fibrillation, the recommended medication to administer first is Amiodarone 300 mg IV/IO push. This is in accordance with Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines. If Amiodarone is not available, Lidocaine can be used as an alternative with a dose of 1-1.5 mg/kg IV/IO push. Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes may also be given during cardiac arrest. However, Atropine is no longer recommended for the treatment of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.