Hs and Ts The H’s and T’s Made Simple: Memorize in Minutes Memorize the H's and T's in minutes, one of the most useful mnemonic devices in ACLS certification training for remembering the common causes of cardiac arrest.
Hs and Ts Hydrogen Ions (Acidosis) Acidosis (Hydrogen Ions) is an improper pH level caused by too much acid (lactic acidosis) in the body. Acidosis can be either respiratory or metabolic.
Hs and Ts Hypokalemia (Potassium) Hypokalemia is too little (hypo) potassium in the body. Hypokalemia can be identified with flattened T-waves, prominent U-waves and occasionally-widened QRS-waves.
Hs and Ts Hypovolemia What is Hypovolemia? A sudden and significant decrease in the volume of blood and fluids in the body. What are the Potential Causes of Hypovolemia? • Blood loss (external or internal) • Inadequate intake of fluids • Excessive vomiting of diarrhea What are the Indicators of Hypovolemia? • ECG: Rapid rate with narrow QRS
Hs and Ts Hyperkalemia (Potassium) Hyperkalemia is too much (hyper) potassium in the body. Excess potassium levels can contribute to cardiac arrest. The main indicator for Hyperkalemia or excess potassium is a patient showing tall, peaked T-waves.
Hs and Ts Hypoxia Hypoxia is when the body is deprived of a sufficient supply of oxygen. It is a contributing cause to cardiac arrest. Adequate ventilation and oxygenation is vital to reverse Hypoxia.
Hs and Ts Tension Pneumothorax Tension Pneumothorax is when air enters the pleural space (small area between the thin covering that cushions the lungs) but is unable to exit, causing a buildup. The buildup causes a shift in the intrathoracic structure which can lead to cardiac arrest.
Hs and Ts Tamponade (Cardiac) Tamponade is a condition in which fluid or blood accumulates in the pericardium. The buildup puts pressure on the heart and prevents proper pumping of the blood which can lead to cardiac arrest.
Hs and Ts Thrombosis (Coronary) Thrombosis Coronary is a blockage in the coronary artery caused by a blood clot. The clot can cause an acute myocardial infarction.
Hs and Ts Thrombosis (Pulmonary Embolus) Thrombosis Pulmonary or Pulmonary Embolism is a blockage to the pulmonary artery in the lungs leading to cardiac arrest.
Hs and Ts Hypothermia What is Hypothermia? Hypothermia is when the body loses the ability to keep itself warm (occurs when body temperature drops below 95˙ F (35˙ C)). Defibrillation, CPR, or any drug therapy may prove to be ineffective for a hypothermic patient. Hence, the primary objective would be to warm the body.
Hs and Ts Toxins Toxins refer to an accidental or intentional overdose of a drug or medication or ingestion of a toxin. Toxins are one of the most common reasons for cardiac arrest.
