Rapid Response and Code Management

Rapid Response and Code Management

Rapid Response and Code Management

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RRS & Code Activation - Early Warning, Swift Action

  • RRS Triggers (Early Warning Signs):
    • Vital signs: SBP <90/>180, HR <40/>130, RR <8/>30, SpO2 <90% (on O2).
    • Urine output <0.5 ml/kg/hr for >2 hrs.
    • Acute mental status change.
    • Staff "worried" sign.
  • Code Blue Activation (Cardiac Arrest):
    • Unresponsive, pulseless, apneic/agonal breathing.
  • Aim: Prompt intervention to prevent deterioration or manage arrest.

⭐ Acute change in mental status or vital signs (e.g., SBP <90, HR >130, RR >30) are key RRS triggers.

BLS & Initial Response - The First Critical Moves

  • Scene Safety: Check area. Patient responsive? (Tap & shout).
  • Call for Help: Activate emergency response (Code Blue), fetch AED.
  • Assess: Simultaneously check carotid pulse & breathing (<10 sec).
  • CPR (if no pulse/gasping): Follow C-A-B.
    • Compressions: 100-120/min, depth 5-6 cm. Full recoil. Minimize interruptions.
    • Airway: Head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw thrust.
    • Breathing: 30 compressions : 2 breaths.
  • Defibrillation: Attach AED/defibrillator ASAP. Follow prompts.

⭐ Minimize chest compression interruptions to <10 seconds; crucial for maintaining Coronary Perfusion Pressure (CPP).

Adult Basic Life Support Algorithm

ACLS: Shockable Rhythms & Defib - VF/VT Victory

  • Rhythms: Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (pVT).
  • Immediate: Defibrillate! 📌 "Vee Fib? Dee Fib!"
    • Energy: Biphasic 120-200J; Monophasic 360J.
  • Algorithm Cycle: Shock → CPR (2 min) → Rhythm Check. Repeat.
  • Medications (during CPR, if VF/pVT persists):
    • Epinephrine 1mg IV/IO: Every 3-5 min (after 2nd shock).
    • Amiodarone: 300mg IV/IO bolus (after 3rd shock), may repeat 150mg once.
    • Lidocaine (if amiodarone unavailable): 1-1.5mg/kg IV/IO, then 0.5-0.75mg/kg.

⭐ For VF/pVT, immediate defibrillation is key. First shock with biphasic defibrillator: 120-200J (or manufacturer specific; if unknown, use maximum available).

ACLS Algorithm for VF/pVT Shockable Rhythm

ACLS: Non-Shockable & Reversibles - PEA/Asystole Puzzle

  • PEA (Pulseless Electrical Activity) & Asystole: Non-shockable.
  • Immediate Actions:
    • High-quality CPR.
    • Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes.
    • NO defibrillation.
  • Key: Identify & treat reversible causes (H's & T's).

⭐ In PEA/Asystole, always prioritize high-quality CPR and aggressively search for/treat reversible causes (H's & T's); Hypoxia and Hypovolemia are common culprits.

Reversible Causes (H's & T's): 📌

  • H's: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, H+ (acidosis), Hypo/Hyperkalemia, Hypothermia.
  • T's: Tension pneumo, Tamponade, Toxins, Thrombosis (pulm/coronary).

PEA Asystole Algorithm with H and T review

Post-ROSC & Team Dynamics - Stabilize & Synthesize

  • Post-ROSC Care (Stabilize):
    • Optimize ABCs: Secure airway; target SpO₂ 94-98%, PaCO₂ 35-45 mmHg.
    • Hemodynamics: MAP >65 mmHg; SBP >90 mmHg.
    • Treat reversible causes (Hs & Ts).
    • Neurological care:

      ⭐ Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) at 32-36°C for at least 24 hours is recommended for comatose adult patients with ROSC after cardiac arrest.

    • Glucose control: Target 140-180 mg/dL.
  • Team Dynamics & Synthesis:
    • Clear roles, closed-loop communication.
    • Structured debriefing: Learn, support, synthesize for ongoing care.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Early recognition of deterioration (MEWS/NEWS) triggers Rapid Response Team (RRT) activation.
  • Master the ABCDE approach for all emergencies.
  • Immediate defibrillation for VF/pulseless VT; epinephrine every 3-5 min.
  • Systematically address reversible causes (Hs and Ts) in cardiac arrest.
  • Deliver high-quality CPR: rate 100-120/min, depth 5-6 cm, full recoil, minimal interruptions.
  • Use amiodarone or lidocaine for refractory shockable rhythms.
  • Implement post-cardiac arrest care protocols for optimal outcomes.

Practice Questions: Rapid Response and Code Management

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In case of disaster, which color code is used for patients requiring immediate care?

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Flashcards: Rapid Response and Code Management

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Improving _____ by treating hypotension, limiting vasoconstrictive agents, improving cardiac contractility, or revascularization can be used to prevent bedsores

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Improving _____ by treating hypotension, limiting vasoconstrictive agents, improving cardiac contractility, or revascularization can be used to prevent bedsores

skin perfusion

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