Question

When considering the administration of cardiac medication to a severely hypothermic patient in cardiac arrest, which of the following is true?

A) Cardiac medications are appropriate as long as warm fluid is being administered and active rewarming procedures initiated
B) IV medication may be administered but spaced at longer than standard intervals
C) The patient will most likely not respond to cardiac medication and allow toxic accumulation of the medications
D) The patient will best respond to higher than normal doses of cardiac medications

Answer 1

Cardiac medications are not effective in severely hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest. Active rewarming procedures and warm fluid administration are more appropriate interventions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In severely hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest, cardiac medications are generally not effective and may potentially cause toxic accumulation of the medications (option C). The extreme cold temperature in hypothermic patients slows down the heart's rate and strength of contractions. This is a component of the diving reflex that diverts blood to essential organs while submerged. In such cases, active rewarming procedures and warm fluid administration are more appropriate interventions to revive the patient.