A patient who sustained massive trauma has just lost consciousness. A cardiac monitor is initiated, and it reveals pulseless electrical activity. The team working on this patient would quickly assess for which conditions?Select all that apply.

Question

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Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) indicates the presence of organized electrical activity in the heart, but there is no detectable pulse or blood pressure. The management of PEA includes identification and correction of the underlying cause. The conditions that the team would assess for in this scenario include cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and profound hypovolemia. Loose electrical leads to the monitor and spinal cord injury are not likely to cause PEA.

A Patient Who Sustained Massive Trauma Has Just Lost Consciousness