Pulseless electrical activity physical examination
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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: [1]
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