A 35-year-old man on ICU develops pulseless VT. He has known hypokalaemia (K+ 2.5 mmol/L identified 30 minutes ago, replacement commenced). CPR is sta...

Question

A 35-year-old man on ICU develops pulseless VT. He has known hypokalaemia (K+ 2.5 mmol/L identified 30 minutes ago, replacement commenced). CPR is started and he is defibrillated. What specific electrolyte correction is essential alongside standard ALS?

Accepted Answer

IV potassium chloride - rapid correction to K+ >4.0 mmol/L via central line (20 mmol KCl in 100 mL over 30-60 minutes, with continuous ECG monitoring)

Answer

IV calcium chloride 10 mL of 10%

Answer

IV sodium bicarbonate 8.4% 50 mL

Answer

IV magnesium sulphate 2 g only

Answer

No electrolyte correction during cardiac arrest

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Cardiac Arrest - Hypokalaemia

A 35-year-old man on ICU develops pulseless VT. He has known hypokalaemia (K+ 2.5 mmol/L identified 30 minutes ago, replacement commenced). CPR is started and he is defibrillated. What specific electrolyte correction is essential alongside standard ALS?