Question

A pt is in cardiac arrest. V fib has been refractory to an initial shock. If no pathway for medication administration is in place, which method is preferred

A. Central line
B. Endotracheal tube
C. External Jugular vein
D. IV or IO

Answer 1

The preferred method for medication administration in a patient in cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation is through an IV or IO line, due to their rapid access for delivering life-saving treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of a patient in cardiac arrest with refractory ventricular fibrillation, where defibrillation has failed to correct the arrhythmia, establishing a route for medication administration is crucial. If no pathway for medication administration is currently in place, the preferred method is through an intravenous (IV) or intraosseous (IO) line. These routes allow for the rapid administration of life-saving medications. A central line is not typically used in an emergency due to the time it takes to insert, and while medications can be administered via the endotracheal tube, this route is less reliable and not preferred for drug delivery in cardiac arrest. The use of an external jugular vein is also less common due to accessibility and complication risks.