During an in-hospital cardiac arrest, the patient is in pulseless electrical activity (PEA). CPR is ongoing and the patient is intubated. The team has...

Question

During an in-hospital cardiac arrest, the patient is in pulseless electrical activity (PEA). CPR is ongoing and the patient is intubated. The team has given two cycles of adrenaline 1 mg. End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) monitoring shows a sudden rise from 1.5 kPa to 4.8 kPa. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)

Answer

The endotracheal tube has migrated into the oesophagus

Answer

Hyperventilation by the person providing bag-valve ventilation

Answer

Administration of sodium bicarbonate

Answer

Development of a tension pneumothorax

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Cardiac Arrest