Pulseless electrical activity (patient information)

Resident Survival Guide

Pulseless electrical activity
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Pulseless electrical activity?
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief:

What are the symptoms of Pulseless electrical activity?

Absence of palpable pulses is the main finding. Depending upon the cause, the following might be found:

• Tracheal deviation in or the unilateral absence of breath sounds in tension pneumothorax
• Decreased skin turgor
• Traumatic chest
• Cool extremities 
• Tachycardia
• Cyanosis

What causes Pulseless electrical activity?

Common causes of PEA include preceding respiratory failure in 40% to 50% of cases, and hypovolemia. The common causes of PEA can be remembered using the mnemonic "The Hs and Ts".

• Hypovolemia
• Hypoxia
• Hydrogen ions (Acidosis)
• Hypothermia
• Hyperkalemia or Hypokalemia
• Hypoglycemia
• Tablets or Toxins (Drug overdose) such as beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, or calcium channel blockers
• Tamponade

Where to find medical care for Pulseless electrical activity?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition

Sources

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