Pulseless electrical activity physical examination

Resident Survival Guide

Pulseless electrical activity Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Pulseless Electrical Activity from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-Ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Pulseless electrical activity physical examination On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pulseless electrical activity physical examination All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Pulseless electrical activity physical examination
CDC on Pulseless electrical activity physical examination
Pulseless electrical activity physical examination in the news
Blogs on Pulseless electrical activity physical examination
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pulseless electrical activity
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pulseless electrical activity physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

A rapid physical examination should be performed to identify rapidly reversible causes of PEA. Absence of palpable pulses is the main finding. Depending upon the cause of PEA, physical findings can be distended neck veins, tracheal deviation, unilateral absence of breath sounds, tachycardia, decreased skin turgor, traumatic chest, cool extremities, and cyanosis.

Physical Examination

A rapid physical examination should be performed to identify rapidly reversible causes of PEA:

Pulse

• Absence of palpable pulses is the main finding.

Depending upon the cause, the following might be found:

Neck

• Distended neck veins suggests cardiac tamponade
• Tracheal deviation suggests tension pneumothorax

Lungs

• Unilateral absence of breath sounds suggests tension pneumothorax

Heart

• Tachycardia

General

• Decreased skin turgor
• Traumatic chest
• Cool extremities  
• Cyanosis