Sage-Tips

When would you do a precordial thump?

Precordial thump may be effective only if used within seconds near the onset of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and so should be used only when the arrest is witnessed and monitored. There is no evidence that precordial thump improves recovery in unwitnessed cardiac arrest.

Is precordial thump still recommended ACLS?

The precordial thump, although frequently featured as successful in show business is less effective, and its use is more limited in real life. Currently, its use is recommended only for witnessed, monitored, unstable ventricular tachycardia when a defibrillator is not immediately available.

Is precordial thump still recommended for VT or VF?

The American Heart Association (AHA) currently recommends the precordial thump as the initial maneuver in treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and monitored ventricular fibrillation (VF). These recommendations are based largely on anecdotal reports of successful “thump-version” of asystole, VF, and VT.

What steps would you take if someone around you went into cardiac arrest?

If someone shows signs of cardiac arrest:

1. Contact 911 and ask for emergency medical services. If possible, ask a bystander to do this.
2. Check if the unconscious person is breathing.
3. If none is available, administer CPR by hand.
4. Continue administering CPR until the emergency responders arrive.

Are you responsive during cardiac arrest?

The correct response to a witnessed cardiac arrest is to: Check for responsiveness (shake and shout). IF NO RESPONSE, call for help (“911”) or ask someone else to call. Begin uninterrupted forceful continuous chest compressions immediately.

What does a chest thump mean?

Definition of chest-thumping : conduct or expression marked by pompous or arrogant self-assertion political chest-thumping.

What is precordial palpation?

Palpation of the precordium is a very important technique to master. Palpation is performed to evaluate the characteristics of the right and left ventricular impulse. Palpation should include evaluation of the apical area, the parasternal area, the right and left 2nd intercostal space, and the epigastric area.