Pulseless electrical activity physical examination

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

Physical Examination

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

Neck

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

Lungs

• Unilateral absence of breath sounds suggests tension pneumothorax

Physical findings:

Absence of palpable pulses is the main finding.

Depending upon the cause, the following might be found:

• Tracheal deviation
• Decreased skin turgor
• Traumatic chest
• Cool extremities  
• Tachycardia
• Cyanosis