Following an event of cardiac arrest, there is a specific procedure that must be observed. Continue reading in order to learn all about the ACLS algorithm to be followed after successful resuscitation.
When working in an emergency environment, many nurses and other medical practitioners deal with cases of cardiac failure on a daily basis. Cardiac arrest is one of the most common medical emergencies in America. Fortunately, successful resuscitation is oftentimes possible, especially when a patient is being cared for in a hospital or other emergency facility.
When obtaining your online Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification with eMedCert, you will learn about how to perform resuscitation on patients who are suffering from various cardiac emergencies. In addition, you will obtain knowledge regarding what to do following successful resuscitation.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of the immediate post-cardiac arrest care algorithm. Continue reading in order to understand the essentials of this particular procedure.
Why is the Immediate Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm so Important?
After the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) the immediate post-cardiac arrest care procedure must be followed. This procedure consists of an algorithm that portrays the systematic approach that should be taken with patients after they have been revived and their heartbeat has been stabilized.
The level of importance placed on this particular ACLS algorithm has grown steadily as we have developed a better understanding of the correlation between optimal post-cardiac arrest practices and an increased likelihood of survival. In essence, it has become clear that proper care following successful resuscitation is essential when it comes to long-term survival and minimizing complications.
Achieving ROSC is the first and most important step in overcoming cardiac arrest. However, it is only part of the battle, as merely restoring a normal heart rhythm does not ensure survival. In addition, simply attaining ROSC doesn’t ensure a full recovery following the event of cardiac arrest. This is why the immediate post-cardiac arrest care algorithm is so essential when it comes to ACLS training.
What Does the Immediate Post-Cardiac Arrest Algorithm Entail?
The immediate post-cardiac arrest care algorithm focuses on four main areas:
- Optimizing Ventilation and Oxygenation: This is extremely important for ensuring that the brain and other vital organs are receiving the oxygen necessary for proper functioning.
- Treating Hypotension: Low blood pressure is very common following certain events of cardiac arrest and can be extremely dangerous to a patient’s health. Thus, it’s essential that you’re knowledgeable about how to treat it properly.
- Consideration of Therapeutic Hypothermia: Therapeutic hypothermia is a treatment that is used in some events of cardiac arrest following ROSC. It can be considered when a patient has been resuscitated but has not yet regained consciousness, as it can help them to wake up. In addition, lowering the body temperature following an event of cardiac arrest has been shown to lower the chances of complications such as brain damage.
- Implementing Coronary Reperfusion Strategies: Coronary reperfusion strategies work to restore blood flow following certain cardiac emergencies. Ensuring proper blood flow is essential when it comes to minimizing lasting damage to the brain and other vital organs.
The immediate post-cardiac arrest care algorithm is essential for proper care following a cardiac emergency.
For a more detailed, step-by-step description of this particular algorithm, see below:
Additional ACLS Algorithms:
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Adult BLS Algorithm
- Adult Bradycardia Algorithm
- Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
- Opioid-Associated Life-Threatening Emergency Algorithm
- Unstable Tachycardia Algorithm
More ACLS Material:
For more information on the different algorithms you will learn about in your ACLS certification course, visit our website. In addition, we’re always here to help support you in your training, so feel free to reach out to us anytime.