Figure 1

Quick Quiz

How well do you understand hypothermia protocol for cardiac events?

A 32-year-old with a history of a recent non-surgical metatarsal fracture presents to the emergency department after pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest.

The patient was intubated in the field and coded on the way to the hospital for 10 minutes prior to the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Upon arrival to the emergency department, the patient is started on vasopressors. Pulmonary angiography confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a pulmonary saddle embolus and the patient is prepped for a thrombectomy.

Following the procedure and prior to transfer to intensive care unit, the patient is started on a hypothermia protocol — also known as therapeutic hypothermia.

Which of the following is true regarding hypothermia protocol in this patient? Select an option to see full answer details.

• Continue hypothermia protocol until patient’s acidosis improves
• Hypothermia protocol prevents further cardiovascular instability
• Hypothermia should begin soon after ROSC
• The target temperature in therapeutic hypothermia is 35-37°C (95-97°F)

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