Bradycardia
is defined as a heart rate that is slower than what is considered normal for a
child’s age. Bradycardia in children and infants should be evaluated, but not
all needs to be medically managed. Intervention is required when it is
symptomatic and compromises cardiovascular function. This commonly means that
the heart is beating too slowly to maintain blood pressure, thereby causing
shock, poor tissue perfusion, and/or a change in mental status.
Prior to
moving ahead, let us discuss a bit about the life-saving CPR techniques that
comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the
procedures can revive the life of a victim struck with a sudden cardiac arrest
(SCA). Cardiac arrest is mostly caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, Ventricular
Fibrillation. A victim would require immediate treatment for survival. Always
select an accredited training center for obtaining training such as the AHA
certified CPR Cincinnati where courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare
providers are conducted. Read to know more about a “BLS class Cincinnati”.
Basic Life Support Training classes- This CPR Class Satisfies CPR
Requirements for ALL Students in Healthcare and Medical Related School
Programs, and all Jobs in Healthcare. This course is also known as BLS for
Healthcare Providers, and is intended for nursing, medical, dental, physical
and occupational therapy, radiology, pharmacy, EMT’s, etc. students and
employees in healthcare fields.
The program
fee is $70.
Course Includes:
1. 1 and 2 rescuer CPR for Infants,
Children and Adults.
2. Comprehensive Basic Life Support
Training.
3. Proper Chest Compressions, Rescue
Breaths, Bag Valve Mask Use.
4. AED Training
5. Choking Intervention
6. and much more….
Some of the
symptoms caused by symptomatic bradycardia include:
1. Low blood pressure
2. Pulmonary edema/congestion
3. Abnormal Rhythm
4. Chest Discomfort
5. Shortness of Breath
6. Lightheadedness
7. Confusion
8. Syncope
Bradycardia turns
symptomatic when it is of new onset for the person (acute slowing of the heart
rate).
Sininus
Bradycardia- Normal rhythm with slow rate.
First Degree
AV Block- PR interval is longer than 0.20 seconds.
Type I
Second Degree AV Block (Mobitz I)- PR interval increases in length until QRS
complex is dropped.
Type II
Second Degree AV Block (Mobitz II)- PR interval is the same length with
intermittently dropped QRS complex.
Third Degree
AV Block (Complete)- PR interval and QRS complex are not coordinated with each
other.
Symptomatic Bradycardia:
1. Check heart rate- Confirm abnormally low heart rate or a significant rate drop from
previous normal.
2. PALS Survey-
Airway; Breathing (Check O2 stats; administer O2 as needed); Circulation (Check
blood pressure and rate; 12-lead ECG; IV/IO access).
3. Check for signs or symptoms of shock or acute change in the mental status,
whether the symptoms are being caused by Bradycardia.
4. Immediately perform CPR. Epinephrine
0.01 mg/kg IO/IV–Can be given every 3-5 minutes. Atropine 0.02 mg/kg IO/IV–Can
be repeated once.
5. If drugs are unsuccessful, consider
transthoracic/transvenous pacing (preferably with sedation) especially if
bradycardia is the result of a complete heart block or an abnormal sinus node
function or consult an expert in this regard.
Points to Remember:
1. The primary goal of the treatment is
to make sure the heart is adequately pumping blood to the body.
2. The treatment is not necessarily
aimed at increasing the heart rate and it should be continued until
symptoms/signs resolve.
3. Move to Cardiac Arrest protocol if
the person stops having a pulse.
4. Atropine in doses less than 0.1 mg
may worsen the condition.
5. Make sure to consider the reversible
causes of bradycardia in pediatrics and treat if possible.
For more information or to join a program at CPR
Cincinnati, call on 513-828-3488.
Comments
Post a Comment