A CODE BLUE IN PROGRESS AND THIS HAPPENS

 

Scenario: A Code Blue is in progress in the Emergency Room.
The medical staff have gathered around the bedside to assist.
Unfortunately, the nurse on the left got distracted . She begins
to move the paddles towards the nurse on the right.

How could this happen? It is easy to make a mistake when there
is so much goingon in a confined space. It is important to follow
all the security guidelines for a Code Blue, like making sure no
one is close to the bedside prior to defibrillation.

Addressing lethal rhythms

There are some EKG rhythms that are considered to be lethal.

Immediate intervention is necessary for good outcomes. Here are
the most lethal rhythms:

Asystole - sometimes referred to as " flat-line. The electrical
heart's conduction system is not functioning. There are no
ventricular contractions. The patient is pulseless and
unresponsive.

Ventricular Tachycardia - There may or may not be a pulse
present. The ventricles are beating rapidly and there is no atrial
activity. Blood flow to the vital organs is compromised.

Ventricular Fibrillation -  There is a chaotic rhythm and no
atrial activity. The ventricles are quivering , so there is no 
cardiac output. There is no pulse and the patient may become
unresponsive. Immediate action to defibrillate is usually done.

***American Heart Association has protocols in place for each
EKG rhythm

Learn about : the ABG and Code Blue

Learn more about : The Circulatory System

  Heart and lungs work together.