Scenario: A patient with symptomatic bradycardia is unresponsive to atropine.
Initial Assessment:
- Responsiveness: Decreased level of consciousness.
- Breathing: Adequate.
- Pulse: 30 bpm, regular.
- Blood Pressure: 70/40 mmHg.
Actions:
Atropine 0.5 mg IV has been administered twice with no improvement.
Questions:
What are the next steps in managing this patient?
- a) Administer more atropine (up to a total of 3 mg)
- b) Initiate transcutaneous pacing or consider dopamine/epinephrine infusion
- c) Administer amiodarone
- d) Prepare for defibrillation
What is the maximum total dose of atropine recommended?
- a) 1 mg
- b) 2 mg
- c) 3 mg
- d) 5 mg
What is the goal of transcutaneous pacing?
- a) To increase the heart rate and improve perfusion
- b) To convert the rhythm to sinus rhythm
- c) To decrease the heart rate
- d) To treat underlying causes of bradycardia.
These MMCs cover key aspects of the Bradycardia Algorithm, including:
- Identifying symptomatic bradycardia
- Appropriate medication administration (atropine)
- Next steps if atropine is ineffective (pacing, infusions)