During ACLS cardiac arrest management, when is epinephrine administered?

During ACLS cardiac arrest management, when is epinephrine administered?

• A. Not used in ACLS
• B. After each CPR cycle
• C. After every shock attempt
• D. Only after 10 minutes in PEA

Answer: (B)

Epinephrine is given during ongoing chest compressions at regular intervals, typically every 3–5 minutes, as soon as IV/IO access is established. The aim is to boost coronary and cerebral perfusion by increasing aortic diastolic pressure, which improves the chance of return of spontaneous circulation. This timing fits with the CPR cycles used in ACLS, so administration occurs after a couple of minutes of compressions and is repeated with each subsequent cycle. It applies to all arrest rhythms, including PEA, and is not reserved only after shocks or after a fixed time point like 10 minutes. The standard dose is 1 mg IV/IO, repeated every 3–5 minutes during CPR.

Epinephrine is given during ongoing chest compressions at regular intervals, typically every 3–5 minutes, as soon as IV/IO access is established. The aim is to boost coronary and cerebral perfusion by increasing aortic diastolic pressure, which improves the chance of return of spontaneous circulation. This timing fits with the CPR cycles used in ACLS, so administration occurs after a couple of minutes of compressions and is repeated with each subsequent cycle. It applies to all arrest rhythms, including PEA, and is not reserved only after shocks or after a fixed time point like 10 minutes. The standard dose is 1 mg IV/IO, repeated every 3–5 minutes during CPR.