ADDRESSING LETHAL RHYTHMS AND CODE BLUE



The image above shows a Code blue in progress. This is 
happening in the Emergency Room. Always follow your
Institution's policies and procedures for Code Blue. 

What is the role of the nurse who is assigned to the Code Blue?

The nurse has an important role in effective communication.
There are many responsibilities.
- staying calm in a chaotic situation
- giving clear instructions to coworkers
- ensuring that MD orders are conveyed correctly
- proper documentation of vital signs and all treatments /
  interventions that take place ( defibrillation for example)
  - the nurse becomes the " binding force


                                                    Addressing lethal EKG rhythms

Addressing lethal rhythms

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



Hemodynamics refers to blood flow. The heart is a pump,
which pumps blood around the body. If there is damage, 
like a myocardial infarction, the heart's function will be 
impaired. 
Learn more about: Congestive heart failure

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
                       Chest pain assessment Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack , may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints : If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninv...
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.      It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:             chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                          tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.   Cardiogenic shock The left ventricle  receives  its blood supply from the LAD ( left anterior descending) artery. If the flow of blood to the left ventricle is obstructed by a clot or plaque, part  of the  heart muscle  may die. This lack of blood flow to the left ventricle causes pump             ...
Read more

CARE PLANNING / IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION IN ADPIE

Image
  The Nursing Process A nurse who is new to the clinical settin g, knows all too well it is a challenge. Typically, a combination of learning in the classroom and a clinical area is done. However, feeling confident  and demonstrating competence takes time and practice. Assessment and Diagnosis are discussed here . ADPIE and its application in the clinical setting. The five steps of ADPIE. A- assessment D- diagnosis P- planning I - mplementation E- evaluation PLANNING ( IN ADPIE ) Mrs. G was admitted to the hospital with complaints of headaches, visual disturbances and occasional unsteady gait. This has been going on for about two weeks.  Her  family members decided to seek medical advice. The doctor has examined her and ordered a CT scan of the head. The nurse who is responsible for her care, begins to work on the care plan . She will identify the problems based on the diagnosis. Other staff members will also assist in the process. IMPLEMENTATION ( IN ADPIE) The nu...
Read more