Question

A patient is in cardiac arrest. High-quality chest compressions are being given. The patient is intubated, and an IV has been started. The rhythm is asystole. What is the first drug/dose to administer?

A. Atropine 1 mg IV/IO
B. Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO
C. Atropine 0.5 mg IV/IO
D. Dopamine 2 to 20 mcg/kg per minute IV/IO

Answer 1

The first drug to administer to a patient in cardiac arrest with asystole is Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO, as it can increase perfusion during CPR.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a patient in cardiac arrest with a rhythm of asystole, the first drug and dose to administer is Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO. This recommendation aligns with current resuscitation guidelines which prioritize the use of epinephrine in asystole to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion during CPR. It's important to administer the drug as soon as possible and then continue to provide high-quality chest compressions, as they are essential for ensuring the circulation of blood and the drug throughout the body.

The use of atropine in cardiac arrest is no longer recommended due to lack of evidence for its efficacy in asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Therefore, the other options listed, such as Atropine 1 mg IV/IO, Atropine 0.5 mg IV/IO, and Dopamine 2 to 20 mcg/kg per minute IV/IO, are not the first choice in this scenario.