Open AccessCardiac Arrest Upon Induction of General Anesthesia
Author(s) -
Regina A. E. Dowdy,
Shadee T Mansour,
James Cottle,
Hannah R Mabe,
Harry B Weprin,
Leigh E Yarborough,
Gregory M. Ness,
Todd M Jacobs,
Bryant W. Cornelius
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
anesthesia progress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1878-7177
pISSN - 0003-3006
DOI - 10.2344/anpr-67-03-08
Subject(s) - medicine , asystole , pulseless electrical activity , anesthesia , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , intraoperative awareness , hypovolemia , perioperative , epinephrine , intensive care medicine , resuscitation , propofol
There are numerous causes of cardiac arrest in the perioperative period, including hypoxia, hypovolemia, and vagal response to medications or procedures during routine anesthetics. Initiation of adequate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of epinephrine, and application of a defibrillator, with shocking when applicable, are all essential steps in achieving return of spontaneous circulation. Knowledge and utilization of monitoring equipment can alert the provider to problems leading to cardiac arrest as well as ensure proper resuscitative efforts during the event. Polypharmacy is quite common with many of today's special needs patients. It is important to understand the medications they are taking as well as the potential interactions that may occur with drugs given during sedation and general anesthesia. The following is a case report of cardiac arrest including asystole and pulseless electrical activity in a 27-year-old man with autism and behavioral problems who presented for restorative dentistry under general anesthesia in the ambulatory surgery setting.