Insulin during cardiac arrest?

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Last semester my instructor mentioned (off the books) that insulin is sometimes given during cardiac arrest. I forgot what she mentioned the action of this was, and I can't seem to find any information pertaining to it. Does anyone have any insight?

"Calcium (chloride) is indicated for hyperkalemia during a code. And, it is indicated first line for severe hyperkalemia."

Why do you keep repeating this? Its cookbook medicine and not even the point I was making. You were incorrect in saying that Ca corrects hyperkalemia, when it in fact does NOT. Its a bandaid fix that treats the symptoms, and not the problem. Im well aware of its indications.

Gluconate can be used, its largely MD preference (one of our surgeons preferred it in a non-emergent situation), but CaCl has roughly 3x the elemental Ca.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Gluconate can be used, but CaCl has roughly 3x the elemental Ca.

Yes, I, too am very well aware of this (thus my placing 'choride' in brackets above to indicate only one).

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Specializes in CTICU.

Wow "topherSRN", you're very aggressive. Chill out.

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Specializes in SICU/Trauma.

I agree, calm down topher, we get it.

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Hyperglycemia can be a cause of PEA and therefor would require the use of IV insulin during the code?

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Specializes in Combined ICU (CCU/Neuro/SICU/MICU.

I've only given insulin during cardiac arrest once. The patient was known to be hyperkalemic, and i an effort to decrease the potassium the patient was given an amp of D50% and 10 units of regular insulin iv. This was implemented in addition to ACLS protocol.

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