Post-Resuscitation Care Flashcards

What is the recommended target SpO2 range during post-resuscitation care after ROSC?

Answer: 92–98%

Titrate oxygen to maintain SpO2 of 92–98% to avoid hyperoxia, which can worsen neurological outcomes.

Which blood glucose range is recommended during post-cardiac arrest care?

Answer: 140–180 mg/dL

Glucose should be maintained between 140–180 mg/dL; both hypoglycemia and severe hyperglycemia worsen outcomes.

After ROSC, a patient remains unresponsive. What is the recommended next step regarding temperature management?

Answer: Prevent fever and maintain temperature ≤37.5°C

Current guidelines recommend preventing fever (≥37.5°C) in comatose post-arrest patients rather than routine deep hypothermia.

Which ECG finding after ROSC most strongly indicates the need for emergent cardiac catheterization?

Answer: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

STEMI after ROSC warrants immediate coronary angiography regardless of neurological status, as the cause is likely coronary occlusion.

What ventilator setting should be targeted for PaCO2 during post-resuscitation mechanical ventilation?

Answer: 35–45 mmHg

Normocarbia (PaCO2 35–45 mmHg) is targeted to avoid cerebral vasoconstriction from hypocapnia or cerebral vasodilation from hypercapnia.

Which organ system is the most common cause of death following initially successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest?

Answer: Neurological injury (anoxic brain injury)

Anoxic brain injury from the period of no-flow and reperfusion is the leading cause of death and disability after cardiac arrest.

Which intervention should be performed routinely in all post-cardiac arrest patients after ROSC?

Answer: 12-lead ECG

A 12-lead ECG should be obtained immediately after ROSC to identify STEMI and guide reperfusion therapy decisions.